Today on the Doc On The Run Podcast, we’re talking about 5 reasons a runner might want popping peroneal tendon surgery.
If you are a runner with popping or clicking around the outside of your ankle, you may have wondered whether surgery is actually necessary.
Many runners hear terms like split peroneal tendon, torn retinaculum, tendon subluxation, or peroneal tendon tear and immediately assume surgery is inevitable.
But that is not always true.
In this episode, Dr. Christopher Segler explains the 5 situations where surgery for popping peroneal tendons might actually make sense for runners trying to get back to training.
The peroneal tendons run behind the fibula on the outside of the ankle and help stabilize the foot when you run. One tendon attaches to the outside of the foot while the other crosses underneath the foot and attaches near the base of the first metatarsal.
These tendons help control ankle stability, balance, push-off strength, and running mechanics.
Sometimes runners develop popping or clicking around the peroneal tendons because of tendon tears, tendon subluxation, inflammation, or injury to the retinaculum that holds the tendons behind the fibula.
But popping alone does not automatically mean you need surgery.
If the popping or clicking is directly associated with pain, that may be one reason to consider surgery.
For example, if the retinaculum is torn and the tendons are snapping against the fibula, that repetitive movement may create swelling, inflammation, and pain severe enough to limit running.
Even if the popping itself is not extremely painful, surgery may be worth considering if it clearly limits your ability to train, run, or maintain fitness.
The goal is not simply to stop the noise.
The goal is to get back to running.
Some tendon injuries may heal conservatively. Others may not.
If the tendon structure is severely disrupted, or if the tendon cannot physically return to its normal position to heal, surgery may be necessary.
That depends on:
One of the most important questions runners forget to ask is this:
“What are the chances I will actually get back to running after surgery?”
Before agreeing to surgery, runners should have a very clear discussion with their surgeon about the likelihood of returning to training, racing, and long-term running goals.
The final reason to consider surgery is simple:
Will the surgery actually help you run more, train better, and achieve your goals?
If the answer is yes, surgery may make sense.
If not, you should think very carefully before proceeding.
The goal is not simply fixing popping tendons.
The goal is maintaining fitness, returning to running safely, and avoiding unnecessary setbacks.
That means every treatment decision should be measured against one question:
Will this help me get back to running?
If you want help figuring out what pieces are missing in your return to running journey, you can jump on a 10 minute strategy call with me. Block my calendar for your 10 minute strategy call here.
If you are dealing with peroneal tendon pain, tendon popping, clicking, tendon subluxation, or a split peroneal tendon, this episode will help you think more clearly about when surgery makes sense and when it may not.
«« #1030 5 Signs Stress Reaction Turned Into a Stress Fracture | 1032 Plantar Plate Sprain in Triathletes: Real Strategy Call With a Former Pro »» |