The peroneus brevis tendon is a tendon on the outer lower leg that connects the muscle of the same name to the foot, helping to move the foot outward and keep it stable.
Where is the peroneus brevis tendon?
The peroneus brevis tendon starts at the peroneus brevis muscle, which runs along the outer side of the lower leg. From there, it travels past the outer ankle bone down to the foot. It attaches to the fifth metatarsal bone, which is on the outer edge of the foot, roughly where the little toe begins. Together with the peroneus longus tendon, it forms what is known as the peroneal tendon pair, which is important for many movements of the foot and ankle.
What does the peroneus brevis tendon do?
The main job of the peroneus brevis tendon is to spread the foot outward to the side and keep it stable. This means it helps protect the ankle from rolling over, especially when the foot tips outward. It also supports the foot as it rolls through during walking and running. Without this tendon working properly, it would be very hard to walk safely on uneven ground or carry out sporting movements.
What happens when the peroneus brevis tendon is injured?
Injuries to the peroneus brevis tendon often happen during sports accidents or when the foot rolls over. Common problems include strains, overuse injuries, or in the worst cases, a tear. Symptoms usually show up as pain on the outer side of the ankle, sometimes along with swelling or a feeling of instability in the ankle. In rare cases, the tendon can slip out of its groove or tear away completely following an accident.
How is an injury diagnosed?
If a peroneus brevis tendon injury is suspected, a thorough physical examination is carried out first. Doctors check for tenderness to touch, swelling, and test how well the foot moves. To find out the exact cause, an ultrasound scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used. These can also show up smaller tears or inflammation of the tendon.
Treatment options for peroneus brevis tendon problems
Treatment depends on the type and extent of the injury. For mild strains or overuse, rest, cooling, and elevating the leg is often enough. In some cases, the ankle is temporarily supported with a bandage or splint. Inflammation can be treated with anti-inflammatory medication. If the tendon is completely torn or slips out of its groove, surgery may occasionally be needed to restore normal function. After treatment, physiotherapy usually follows to strengthen the muscles and regain movement.
What can you do to protect the peroneus brevis tendon?
Regular strengthening exercises for the foot and lower leg muscles help to keep the ankle stable. Balance and coordination exercises are especially useful, such as standing on one leg. Wearing suitable footwear that supports the foot can also reduce the risk of injury. Anyone who has already rolled their ankle should avoid putting too much strain on it and seek medical advice if symptoms continue.
Further information about the peroneal tendons
The peroneus brevis tendon is one of the peroneal tendons, which together play an important role in ankle stability. More information about complaints and injuries to the peroneal tendons can be found in the article on the peroneus tendon.
Summary
The peroneus brevis tendon connects the outer lower leg muscle to the foot and allows the foot to move sideways and stay stable. It is particularly vulnerable to injury during sports accidents or when the ankle rolls over. Symptoms should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor where needed, to avoid lasting damage. With targeted training and the right footwear, the risk of tendon problems can be reduced significantly.
