By Sumaiya Farheen and Andrew Siyabalawatte, April 2023.
What is the Fibula Head?
The fibula head is the rounded end of the fibula bone located at the uppermost portion of the bone, where it meets the knee joint. Pain in the fibula head is common with different causes of knee pain.
Could the Root of Your Fibula Pain Be in Your Feet?
Your foot alignment might be silently overloading your knee and fibula head. Many people don’t realize that the way their feet strike the ground can directly affect the alignment and stress levels in the knee and fibula head.
Even slight misalignment in your foot posture or arch can create uneven pressure through your leg. This often leads to chronic fibula head pain, IT band issues, and more
That’s where our Custom Insoles and FootScan Analysis come in.
At Back To Health Wellness, we use cutting-edge foot scanning technology to take a close look at how your feet move when you walk or run.
With this detailed information, we design custom-made insoles that are made just for you, supporting your feet in the exact way they need. Because of this personalized approach, these insoles can help in-
Reducing pressure on the fibula head and knee
Improving lower body alignment
Preventing further injury or pain recurrence
Enhancing both comfort and performance during activity
Think of them as a foundational fix for chronic knee or fibula pain.
If you’re dealing with persistent pain at the fibula head, then don’t overlook the important role your feet may be playing in causing it. Our custom insole solution could be the key to long-term relief.
Fibula Pain
Fibula pain can arise from various factors, including injury, overuse, or underlying medical conditions.
Knee Injuries
For example, a knee injury such as a lateral ligament tear or lateral meniscus tear can cause pain around the fibula head.
Additionally, the fibula head may be affected if there is a dislocation or subluxation around the knee joint, such as a patella dislocation or patella tendon rupture.
Common Peroneal Nerve Entrapment
The peroneal nerve runs along the side of the knee. It can become compressed or trapped, causing pain near the fibula head.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)
A common knee injury among distance runners and cyclists. The symptoms include lateral knee pain around the fibula head while walking or running, which occurs due to inflammation on the lateral part of the knee joint. ITBS can be the result of a hip problem caused by an issue with the hip internal rotator muscles, the glutes.
Fibula Pain and Stress Fracture
Repetitive stress or overuse of the lower leg can lead to stress fractures in the fibula, which can cause pain around the fibula head.
Bursitis
Bursitis refers to inflammation of the bursa-a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint. When it occurs in the knee, this can lead to pain in and around the fibula head.
Where is the Tib fib Joint Located?
The tib fib joint is located where the tibia and fibula bones meet at the lower end of the leg, just above the ankle joint. The joint forms where the distal (lower) end of the fibula bone meets the lateral (outer) surface of the tibia bone. At this point, a small ridge called the fibular notch of the tibia articulates with the head of the fibula.
Avulsion Fracture of the Head of the Fibula
An avulsion fracture of the head of the fibula occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled away from the main fibula. This happens due to excessive traction from the muscles and tendons attached to the bone. This type of injury mostly affects athletes who participate in sports that require sudden changes of direction or jumping, such as soccer or basketball.
What is Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome?
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (MTSS), also known as “shin splints”, is a common overuse injury of the lower leg that typically affects athletes, runners, and dancers. It is primarily caused by repetitive stress on the muscles, tendons, and bone tissue in the shin area. Most often occurs due to activities such as running or jumping.
Is medial tibial stress syndrome the same as shin splints?
People often use the term ‘medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS)’ interchangeably with ‘shin splints.’ MTSS is a specific condition that involves pain and tenderness along the inner (medial) aspect of the shinbone (tibia), usually caused by repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons attached to the tibia.
How To Relieve Fibula Pain
Ice results in the constriction of blood vessels, reducing circulation and swelling around the area. This can reduce the pain around the fibula head.
Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time.
How Does Massage Help Knee Pain?
Sports massage can be a helpful treatment approach for addressing knee pain or pain at the head of the fibula, which is often caused by fibula head dysfunction. Here are a few ways in which sports massage can be beneficial-
- Increased blood flow
- Reduction in muscle tension
- Trigger point release
- Improved joint mobility
- Prevention of future injuries
Remember to include sports massage as part of a full treatment plan with rest, ice, stretching, and strengthening exercises.
Book a sports or deep tissue massage with us by clicking here
Shockwave Therapy and Knee Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in affected areas. It can be used to help treat pain at the head of the fibula and knee arthritis. Shockwave therapy is typically done in a series of sessions, and the number of sessions needed may vary depending on the severity of the condition.
- Stimulating tissue regeneration
- Reducing inflammation
- Breaking up scar tissue
- Improving mobility of the knee
Book a shockwave therapy session with us by clicking here
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and Knee Pain
LLLT has clinical backing for its benefit in treating chronic pain in the shoulder joints, elbow, hand, finger and the lower back. Furthermore, at Back To Health Wellness, we have also used this technology to treat chronic knee pain caused by knee osteoarthritis.
How does it work?
LLLT beams light energy at your skin, sending a 30-second light pulse into your knee. The light pulse penetrates deep into the knee joint and it triggers chemical changes that promote healing and tissue regrowth.