Causes of Pain in the Peroneus Longus Muscle
Disease description:
I have been experiencing pain on the outer side of my lower leg recently, especially during physical activities. After some investigation, I found out that the pain might be related to the peroneus longus muscle. I usually engage in a lot of physical exercise—could this be caused by overexertion? I would like to know what exactly causes pain in the peroneus longus muscle.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Jian
The peroneus longus muscle is located on the posterior-lateral aspect of the lower leg, extending from the head of the fibula to the lateral border of the foot. Its primary functions include assisting in ankle dorsiflexion and foot eversion. Pain in this muscle group can be caused by several factors:
1. Overuse: Prolonged high-intensity activities such as running or jumping, or a sudden increase in exercise intensity, can lead to overexertion of the peroneus longus muscle, causing pain.
2. Strain: Extended periods of standing or walking may lead to overuse of the peroneus longus muscle, resulting in muscle strain and pain. In such cases, muscle activity exceeds its tolerance capacity, leading to excessive local lactic acid accumulation and a sensation of pain.
3. Trauma: Direct impact or violent injury to the peroneus longus muscle can cause muscle fiber damage, bleeding, and swelling, resulting in pain.
4. Inflammation: Long-term repetitive movements can lead to tendonitis or muscle inflammation, particularly common among athletes, presenting as local redness, swelling, and pain.
5. Nerve compression: The sciatic nerve or its branches may become compressed near the peroneus longus muscle due to poor posture or abnormal skeletal structure, potentially causing referred muscle pain.
If the pain persists, it is recommended to seek medical examination at a hospital immediately.
