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The response to the question below was authored by Marc Mitnick DPM

peroneus longus tendon

by Jenny
(Oklahoma CIty)

Peroneus longus tendon(????) pain that comes and go


For about 8 weeks, I have had pain on the side of my foot. In looking at your diagram, it is the same area where the peroneus longus tendon is located. The weird thing is, it comes and goes. The pain will suddenly come on, last for 3-4 days, then usually be swollen for 2-3 days following and go away. About 8-10 days later it happens again.
I saw my primary Dr. last week. She said if it was a fracture it wouldn't subside as it does. I do have a history of severely twisting my ankle on that same side, 2 or 3 times but it was at least 3 years ago when I last did. My Dr said I could be experiencing some post-traumatic arthritis. My Dr also said I did not meet the stereo-type of someone with gout. I'm a 31 year old female.
When the pain started, I had just purchased a pair of "Reef" flip-flops. I correlated the pain to those, but have not worn them for about 4 weeks now, and the pain still comes and goes.

Any insight?

Hi Jenny,
Flip flops are notorious for causing foot pain and they may have actually caused an irritation of the peroneus longus tendon. The problem is, once you have the injury, even if you stop wearing the flip flops, you keep re-injuring the area just be walking on it.
I would recommend you see a podiatrist who should be able to give you some help in alleviating the pain.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Comments for peroneus longus tendon

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Oct 01, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Frustrated Runner
by: M-Runner

I too have had foot pain on the outside of the foot off and on since this summer when I wore flip flops while on our trip to Hawaii. I sprained my ankle 2 times in April while training for a marathon. The pain didn't keep me from running, but my PF flared in that foot about 3 weeks after the 2nd sprain and ruined my spring marathon. I finished but was in great pain and hobbled more than ran. Two months later the PF went away only to have the outside of the foot flare in pain. It has been a problem off and on for about 3 months now. Just when I start to get my mileage up, it flares and sidelines me. I am very very frustrated.
Oct 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		response to question
by: Jenny (OKC)

My pain did finally subside. Although at one point, it hurt so bad, I could barely stand or walk. It maybe lasted 2 months I used ice and motrin, and never wore those particular flip flops again. Sorry you're facing surgery!
Oct 22, 2010
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Did your pain resolve?
by: Anonymous

I have pain in the same area, started 9 months ago, no acute injury. The pain has become so bad I can barely walk (I am 40 yrs old with four kids). MRI showed a complete rupture of the peroneal tendon. I now have to have surgery to repair it. I was wondering if you ended up having surgery or if your pain improved without surgery.
Jun 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Flip Flop Reef Pain
by: Anonymous

I have had the same problem with my Reef flip flops. Not any other shoe, just those. It pain usually starts after I have been wearing them for a few hours, and it also lasts a couple of days. I stopped wearing them, and the pain went away.... only to come back when I resumed wearing my flip flops. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that they were Reef flip flops (as it is those particular ones that are causing my problem).
Oct 27, 2008
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Baxters Nerve Release Surgery
by: Roxanne

Hi Dr.

I have tried every possible treatment for this painful nerve problem that I have endured for over 2 years now. (resulting from a bad sprained ankle). My Dr. wants to try the Baxters nerve release surgery. I am extremely nervous about this, for I have heard it can make the condition much worse. Do you have any thoughts on this surgery, what is the success rate? I have tried P.T., accupuncture, cortisone injections, taping, orthodics...

Thanks for your thoughts on this painful problem.


Roxanne
Seattle

Hi Roxanne,
Every surgery has inherent risks. With your particular surgery there is the problem that your doctor may not be able to actually find the nerve. Does that mean you will be worse off after surgery? Not necessarily so, but you will not be better either.
You do not mention cryosurgery as one of the treatments you have had.
Read my section on Morton's neuroma. The procedure is discussed there along with a video. You may be a candidate for that therapy.
Marc Mitnick DPM

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ADDITIONAL REFERENCES

Mayo Clinic

Johns Hopkins Medicine

MedlinePlus

Arthritis Foundation

University of Rochester Medical Center

Harvard Health

Drugs.com

American Academy of Pediatrics

Penn State Medical Center

National Institutes of Health

Columbia University Department of Rehabilitation

ScienceDirect

Stanford Health Care

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Mount Sinai Hospital

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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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(location unknown)
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UK

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Unknown location

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Arizona
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Poland
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M P

South Carolina
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Natalie

unknown location


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Arlington, VA


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Kelly W.

San Clemente, CA


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Pam

location unknown


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location unknown


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Bre

location unknown


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anonymous



Dr. Mitnick, Thank you, you were 100% correct. The pain finally brought me to the ER. I spent 8 days in the hospital. The Doppler you spoke of was able to show that there was no pulse in that foot. This was an arterial clot that split and traveled throughout my leg. My leg was almost amputated. I am in rough shape but have all my parts intact!! You certainly know what you are talking about. Thank you for taking the time to answer. Yours Truly!

anonymous



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Poland



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Seattle, WA


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Bonnie

location unknown



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Bill

New Jersey



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Debbie

location unknown



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Chrissy

location unknown



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Tracy

Evansville, IA



Dear Marc

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Russ W.

location unknown



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location unknown



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San Diego, CA



Dr. Mitnick, Just want to say thank you so very much for your quick response and very informative reply! After reading what you had to say, I called the doctor's office and was able to get in and see him the same day as my injury. Toe was x-rayed and luckily, it is not broken or fractured. Very badly bruised and will probably lose the toe nail. And although my toe and toe nail are still very black and blue and very sore, they ARE both starting to feel a little better. So again, thank you! I am so very happy that I came across your website. The service you provide is outstanding and immeasurable!

Rivi,

Albany, NY



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Jill S.

location unknown



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Jackie

Whichita, KS



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Boston, MA



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Colorado



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Colorado

Wonderful advice

by: Anonymous

This is the best site for foot problem info.

Thank you for this information. This description fits my pain and inflammation behind my 2nd toe perfectly.

by: Max

location unknown
Again, I really appreciate that you responded to my inquiry, and that your mention of Parkinson's helped me to find my way to a diagnosis of this difficult to diagnose disease. Most patients see on average 16 doctors before they are diagnosed. I hope that you can help other people that ask for your expertise in the future.

Barb D.

Canada
I just wanted to say that I am very greatful for this website!! I have had a fusion in my rt foot and am finally getting a little bit better......

Bonnie

location unknown
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Nancie

Wisconsin
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Julie

location unknown
Thank-you so very much for responding so quickly and in such detail to my question!! I will give my surgeon a call today!! This website is terrific!!!! Thank-you again!

Renae

North Carolina
Many Thanks Dr Marc!
Thank you for your response. It sounds like a good plan to me. He did not cut the wart out first ...

KG

location unknown

Thanks again doc for having this website and we STILL need qualified Podiatrists in beautiful sunny Tampa Bay (Bradenton) Florida.

Bessie Mae

Florida
Dear Dr. Mitnick, Thank you so very much for taking your time to answer my question. You have greatly relieved my anxiety related to the continual tingly I feel in my feet. I will share your response with my podiatrist next week. God bless you for having this question and answer page on your website! Most gratefully,

Lynne T.

location unknown
Your webpage is excellent, I commend you on sharing your knowledge to the public.

Robert

New Jersey


Thank you. you were more detailed than what others have told me they finally called from the last xrays and my son is now in a cast for 2 weeks he did have a fracture that was not noticeable.

a mom

location unknown


I have read your website and I have to admit that I am amazed at all the information that is on here. I have learned more than the three years I have been going to several doctors that I have seen!!

Melody

Lenoir, NC


Thank you so much Doc for a quick and thorough response!

Rustam

Bellevue, WA


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Jodi

location unknown

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