Rehabilitation Approaches for Proximal Peroneal Tendinopathy With Concurrent Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Sprain: A Case Report

Proximal peroneal tendinopathy is a relatively rare condition and can cause severe pain, discomfort, and often disability, especially if it coexists with other pathologies of the lower limbs. This case report discusses a 32-year-old male surgeon with the condition of chronic lateral ankle pain due to proximal peroneal tendinopathy, complicated by an anterior cruciate ligament sprain, a posterior cruciate ligament ganglion cyst, and early medial meniscus degeneration. His ability to perform surgeries has been compromised due to the need to stand for prolonged periods. A multi-factorial rehabilitation approach was designed to address the tendon pathology and the knee dysfunctions associated with it. The treatment program included patient education, therapeutic exercise, and pain management. There were considerable improvements in terms of pain, range of motion, muscle strength, and function from the previous stage of six weeks. This case indicates the clinical necessity of kinetic-chain-oriented, very individualized approaches to rehabilitation for complex musculoskeletal conditions such as this, especially in active professionals. The success of the rehabilitation lies in the potential for recovery even with some tough conditions if the treatment modality is appropriately designed to address the interactive aspects of the patient's condition. This case highlights the importance of an integrated approach in managing complex peroneal tendonitis, especially when associated with upstream joint pathology. The positive outcome underscores the value of early recognition and individualized management to restore function and avoid permanent complications. Additionally, the report serves as a guide for future research into the potential long-term benefits of holistic, patient-specific approaches for similar cases.