Athletes of all ages are susceptible to an overuse injury of the ankle called peroneal tendinosis. If your son or daughter plays high school sports and is experiencing ongoing pain in the back of the ankle, peroneal tendinosis may be the issue.

What Causes Peroneal Tendinosis?

Peroneal tendinosis is an ongoing inflammation and enlargement of the tendon that runs just outside the ankle and up behind the fibula. The tendon may thicken and chronically hurt, not just when the athlete is engaged in activity.

Because it's an overuse injury, peroneal tendinosis tends to happen to athletes who put in a lot of time practicing and competing. While it's common in activities like long-distance running, athletes who play football, basketball, baseball, gymnastics and even golf can suffer from this ailment.

Some athletes with heels that turn slightly inward may be at greater risk. This is called hindfoot varus posture and it can put pressure on the peroneal tendons that are trying to turn the ankle more to the outside. The increased work they have to do may lead to the development of tendinosis.

Why Are High School Athletes Susceptible?

This injury and other overuse injuries like it tend to first show up in a susceptible athlete during their high school years. This may be because they are practicing and working on new exercises that they may not have done often before. The more serious nature of the competition at the high school level may encourage athletes to overtrain in order to improve.

High school athletes are also less likely to pay attention to minor injuries and may continue to exercise on a sore ankle, pushing what could have been a mild case of tendinitis to the more serious tendinosis.

It's important to encourage your high school athlete to seek treatment for minor injuries and to take the necessary time to recover fully before resuming activity. Tendinosis can get worse or become a chronic condition if the sufferer does not provide enough time for complete recovery.

What Can You Do to Treat Peroneal Tendinosis?

As the parent of a high school athlete, it's important to stay on top of any pain or injuries that occur and have them properly checked by a medical professional. While many coaches are well-meaning, they may encourage an athlete to "play through the pain," which can make overuse injuries worse.

Initial treatment can include the standard RICE protocol: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Sufferers may also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to help symptoms. 

If this fails to reduce or eliminate pain, an ankle doctor or podiatrist should examine the injury. Diagnosis may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to identify swelling and thickening in the tendon. The doctor may prescribe a special brace or boot to wear, as well as physical therapy or other exercises designed to strength the ankle. For more information, contact a professional like those at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center of Palatine.