Fax: (239) 692-9436
Tel: 239-430-3668The peroneals are two muscles, and their tendons, that run along the outer edge of the lower leg and behind the outside ankle bone. Peroneal subluxation — sometimes called popping peroneal syndrome — involves elongation, avulsion, or tearing of the superior peroneal retinaculum, the band that normally holds these tendons in place. When that band fails, one or both tendons slip out of their groove, producing a snapping or popping sensation on the outside of the ankle.
What Causes Peroneal Subluxation
In some patients the problem is anatomic — a shallow groove behind the fibula or a variation in bone or muscle shape that the person is born with. In others it follows trauma, most commonly an ankle sprain. The same inward roll that sprains the ankle can tear the retinaculum, and once those stabilizing tissues are damaged the tendons sublux repeatedly, becoming a chronic problem.
Common Symptoms
- A pop or snap on the outside of the ankle during certain movements
- Pain along the outer ankle and behind the ankle bone
- A feeling that the ankle is unstable or about to give way
- Burning pain on the outside of the ankle
- An audible click, or visibly seeing the tendon roll and pop
How We Diagnose It
Our specialists reproduce the subluxation with a hands-on exam, then confirm it with diagnostic ultrasound — which shows the tendons slipping in real time — and X-rays or MRI to check for a fleck of avulsed bone or an associated tear. Pinpointing the cause guides the right treatment.
Treatment Options
- Conservative care: immobilization in a brace or cast, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy for milder or acute cases
- Bracing and orthotics: to stabilize the ankle and correct contributing mechanics
- Surgery: for chronic, recurrent subluxation we repair or reconstruct the retinaculum and, when needed, deepen the groove so the tendons stay seated
Don’t Live With a Popping, Unstable Ankle
A tendon that keeps subluxing can fray and tear over time, so early evaluation protects the tendon and your stability.
For more information or to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.
Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.
