Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.

Understanding the problem

The peroneal, or fibularis, tendons run behind the outer ankle bone and continue into the foot. Pain may develop gradually as tendinopathy or suddenly with injury.

Contributing factors

Increase in running, uneven-surface activity or sport
Recurrent ankle sprains
Foot posture that increases lateral loading
Reduced ankle strength or stability
Acute tendon strain, split tear or dislocation

What can you do?

Reduce activity that provokes lateral ankle pain while maintaining comfortable movement.
Progress peroneal and calf strengthening.
Rehabilitate balance and ankle stability after sprains.
Persistent clicking, snapping or pain after significant injury should be assessed.

When not to wait
Seek prompt assessment for inability to bear weight, major swelling after injury, a snapping tendon around the outer ankle, marked weakness or severe focal pain.

The Footpath Health approach

Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.

Still not sure what the right next step is?

Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.

Start the Footpath Health assessment →