What is Peroneal Tendonitis?
The peroneal tendons are located on the outside of the ankle and behind the fibula. When the tendon gets inflamed, it is called peroneal tendonitis. Peroneal tendonitis can be caused by overuse or a sudden increase in use. This type of tendonitis is caused by activities that put stress on the tendon, such as marathon running and sprinting. The added stress causes the tendon to become inflamed and irritated, resulting in pain and discomfort. If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as a rupture of the tendon.
Causes of Peroneal Tendonitis
Peroneal Tendonitis has a few basic causes:
- Improper training
- Rapid increases in training
- Poorly fitted shoes
- High arches
Prevention of Peroneal Tendonitis
There are several things you can do to prevent peroneal tendonitis before it happens. Most of these measures are directly counter to the causes of peroneal tendonitis. Taking preventive steps such as stretching, wearing proper shoes, and warm-ups can help avoid this condition.
- Always include a good stretch routine as part of your workout program. This will help encourage proper muscle recovery and reduce the risk of injury.
- Increasing training gradually will help your body adjust and improve your performance
- Wearing supportive shoes that cushion and protect the foot and ankle is important for preventing injuries.
- Maintaining light activity during off-season training can help you stay in shape and maintain your fitness
Is Peroneal Tendonitis Treatable?
Fortunately, peroneal tendonitis is a condition that can be treated and most cases will heal without surgery. Resting the ankle and taking some time off from high-impact activities will do wonders for getting the tendons back in the right shape. Icing the area for 20 minutes a day can also help reduce pain and inflammation. If you are dealing with significant pain, you may need to use a walking boot until the pain subsides. However, if there is no tenderness and your ankle is otherwise weight-bearing, then an ankle brace is the best option.
In a few cases, if the pain does not go away or there is a tear in the tendon, doctors may suggest surgery to fix it.
Best Ankle Braces for Peroneal Tendonitis
If you’re looking for the best ankle braces to help with peroneal tendonitis while running, here are some great options. Ankle braces can provide support and stability to a slightly injured ankle, and they can also be helpful for athletes who are gradually getting back into the game after an injury. Look for an ankle brace that fits snugly and provides good support, especially around the Achilles tendon and peroneal tendon.
BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
This ankle brace is made with BioSkin’s patented Ultimata material, which provides compression and support while allowing the skin to breathe. This brace is made from a hypoallergenic material that is also flexible, so it can be easily fitted to your feet. It can be worn inside shoes, and the straps provide extra support.
The Trilok ankle brace is aptly named for the three main components it is made out of. These include the soft, inner compression sleeve, comfortable bracing material, and supportive straps that support ankle posture. All three work together to provide support and stability to the ankle, helping to prevent injury. This makes it a very comfortable and supportive brace for your ankle.
The Trilok is an excellent product, but it is quite expensive, costing $70. However, this high price is indicative of the high quality of the product.
Zamst A2-DX Strong Support Brace
The versatile design of this brace provides support in all directions, making it ideal for relief from injury and promoting healing. The extra padding and robust construction offer both comfort and support, while the adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit for maximum support. It is designed to fit the structure of the foot and still stabilize in the event of applied pressure. The snug and breathable material are known to stay in place without slipping around on the ankle. This makes it a perfect choice for athletes or anyone who wants a comfortable brace that will stay in place.
The Zamst is unfortunately the most expensive brace on this list, and it is known to be troublesome to set up.
BraceAbility Neoprene Water-Resistant Ankle Brace
This brace is waterproof, so it can be used in watersports. It is designed both for prevention and rehabilitation, meaning it can be bought prior to any injury as a safety precaution beforehand. The brace is designed to help protect the joint, reducing the risk of injury while participating in water-based activities. The brace is also designed to help improve circulation and reduce inflammation, in order to promote healing. The brace can also be worn with shoes and provides stability for sports outside of the water as well.
However, one con is that despite being designed for water sports, the swimsuit must be hand-washed. This is a bit of a pain and can take up extra time that could be spent enjoying the water.
Zenith Athletics Ankle Brace
This ankle brace is both affordable and effective. It is made from neoprene and nylon, which makes it durable, and adjustable laces for customized fits. It runs for about $30, making it a great option if you’re looking for an ankle brace. The side strap helps to keep the ankle from moving in undesirable directions, such as sideways or backward, without interfering with walking or running. The brace is easy to wear and provides comfort and support for a variety of activities. However, be mindful that the sizes may not be accurate.
Med Spec ASO Ankle Stabilizer
This is a popular ankle brace because Med Spec offers a wide array of sizes to choose from. The figure-eight straps on this brace protect the ankle in all directions, making it a strong and durable option. It features a bilateral design, meaning it can be worn on either foot. The elastic cuff around the ankle helps prevent it from slipping too much during wear. This sock is designed to provide a snug and comfortable fit.
Venom Ankle Brace
The neoprene lace-up compression sleeve is designed to strengthen and support the ankle while maintaining flexibility for all manner of activities. It runs about $17. It is lightweight and soft, made of moisture-wicking material. Some users have noted that the brace can cause skin irritation if it is not worn over a sock.
Bracoo Ankle Support
The aim of this brace is to support the ankle during the treatment and recovery phase when it needs to be kept relatively still. Doing so will help prevent further injuries. Bracoo’s ankle support is made from latex-free neoprene, which makes it a great option for those with latex allergies. It also has a small enough profile to fit into shoes, which makes it more comfortable to wear throughout the day. Not only is this the most affordable option, but it is also the most creative.
Ossur Formfit Ankle Brace (with Figure 8 Straps)
This brace is a combination of a rigid stirrup and soft support. It limits movement in the ankle, preventing inward or outward twisting, and limiting how far the foot can bend forward or backward. The brace can be fastened up quickly and worn with shoes. This brace is not only breathable but can be worn all day long. If you need complete immobilization of your ankle, then this is the ideal brace for you. However, if you still want some mobility in your ankle, then this brace is not a good fit for you.
Powerlix Ankle Brace
This pair of support sleeves are ideal for those who are looking for stabilization of their ankle joints and relief from muscle pain. The breathable and moisture-wicking fabric is extremely comfortable, while the compression aids in circulation and eases joint pain. This makes it the perfect choice for those with active lifestyles or who suffer from chronic pain. This knitted design allows for a snug fit and aids in protection. The sleeves are also incredibly soft, making them perfect for protecting your skin.
TechWare Pro Ankle Brace Compression Sleeve
This brace’s compression improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation. It is a great option for getting good support in the form of a sock. It comes in a wide variety of colors and a pair costs less than $20. This product is beneficial for those who are looking for an affordable way to improve their circulation and reduce inflammation.
Conclusion
Although there are many ankle braces on the market, the BioSkin Trilok is the best overall option. It provides support for a variety of injuries, including peroneal tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, and is more stable than other options.
The FootLok straps essentially act as external ligaments, protecting any injured ligaments you may have. The compression sleeve helps improve blood circulation and significantly reduces swelling. The fabric is breathable and the brace overall is low profile, allowing it to be worn comfortably with shoes.
