Injuries to Inferior Peroneal Retinaculum: Common, Treatable
Injuries to the inferior peroneal retinaculum, a crucial stabiliser of the ankle, are common among athletes. This region, located in the ankle and foot, has gained attention in sports medicine since the late 20th century. Tears in the inferior peroneal tendon can occur from forceful motions and require up to eight weeks to heal fully.
The inferior peroneal retinaculum is one of two parts of the peroneal retinaculum. It stabilises the tendons that extend from the calf muscles to both sides of the ankle. These tendons, attached to the peroneal muscles, run over the fibula and into the ankle joint via the cruciate crural ligament. The tendons then extend into the foot, covering the side of the ankle. A tear in this inferior peroneal tendon can occur from forceful motions and may require six to eight weeks to heal fully. The first cases of injuries to this region were observed in the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, as reported in sports medicine literature.
Injuries to the inferior peroneal retinaculum, though common among athletes, can be managed effectively. Understanding the healing process, which can take up to eight weeks, is crucial for athletes to return to their sport safely and effectively.
