Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Posterior tibial tendonitis is a very painful condition that can affect athletes of all types. The injury is generally caused by overuse or over-stretching of the muscles, especially in the ankles and knees. While it is common, there are also treatments and preventative measures that can be taken to avoid or lessen the symptoms.

Symptoms

The posterior tibial tendon is an important piece of foot structure that links the calf muscle to the inside of the foot. It can become inflamed and cause pain. Some symptoms include swelling, inflexibility and pain in the instep, outer ankle and arch. Typically, the tendon will become inflamed after a high-impact or intense physical activity. It is also vulnerable to degenerative changes at the ankle joint.

A history and physical exam may be used to diagnose the condition. In severe cases, X-rays and imaging tests may be performed. During this process, your doctor will look for inflammation along the tibial tendon. Your physician may also ask you to perform heel raises to check on your tendon’s strength.

You can reduce the inflammation and swell in your ankle with icing and rest. You will also need to wear a brace to support your ankle. This will help take pressure off the tendons, which can help you heal faster. You should also decrease the time you stand on your feet.

Surgery is not recommended for most patients with posterior tibial tendonitis. This is because it can cause nerve damage and muscle weakness. It is best to first try conservative treatments.

Your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication, which can help reduce inflammation and swelling. During this process, you will also need to exercise to strengthen the muscles. Using a brace can help support your ankle while you are exercising. You can also buy orthotics, which will provide extra support.

An ankle brace can be a good option to relieve stress on your tibial tendon. The navicular bone, which is located in the centre of your foot, provides stability when you walk. If it is moving out of place, you can get flatfooted.

When your posterior tibial tendon is inflamed, you will need to do stretching and strengthening exercises. You can also see your doctor get custom orthotics to help reduce the tension in your tendon.

Once you recover, you should take care of your feet. Your physician can prescribe exercises to improve the strength of your calf muscles and help you recover. Often, you can return to work after four weeks. If you continue to suffer from pain, you may need to see a surgeon.

Diagnosis

Symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis can vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms include swelling and tenderness at the inner ankle. Patients may also experience burning, tingling, or stabbing pain in the foot. If the pain is severe, the doctor may also prescribe medication.

If the condition worsens, surgery may be necessary. An MRI or ultrasound can help doctors diagnose the problem. The MRI scan uses magnetic waves to detect soft tissue damage.

X-rays and physical examinations are other diagnostic tools used to diagnose posterior tibial tendonitis. These tests can also rule out other problems.

When you go to the doctor, you should bring a history of your symptoms. The doctor may ask you to describe the activity that caused the pain. You should also explain any changes you have experienced with your feet. If the condition worsens, you should wear a boot or cast. The doctor will also give you exercises to strengthen the muscles.

If the pain continues, you may be referred to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can help determine the cause of the pain and provide therapy to reduce inflammation. You can also receive a custom orthotic for your shoes. If you have a high-impact sport such as basketball or tennis, you may need plyometric training. This form of exercise helps improve the load tolerance of the posterior tibial tendon.

Physical therapy can also increase the strength of the ankle. It can also correct improper biomechanics. A physical therapist can help you get back on your feet and resume normal activities. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to develop posterior tibial tendonitis.

In addition to therapy, you may be prescribed over-the-counter medications to alleviate the pain. You can apply ice to your foot for relief. However, you should avoid frostbite.

It is important to treat posterior tibial tendonitis as early as possible to avoid complications. In some cases, it will require surgery to repair the tendon or reposition the bones in the foot. It can take up to a year to recover from this procedure.

Treatment

Posterior tibial tendonitis (PTTD) is a condition that affects the inner ankle. PTTD is characterized by pain and swelling in the area. It can be a chronic or acute condition, depending on the severity of the injury.

PTTD is usually caused by overuse or degeneration of the posterior tibial tendon. It is more common in people over 40 years of age. Some other risk factors include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and other medical conditions. If you have symptoms of PTTD, visit your doctor immediately. You may need an imaging test such as an x-ray or MRI to confirm your diagnosis.

Treatment for PTTD includes rest and ice therapy. You may be given anti-inflammatory medication, a short leg cast, or shoe inserts to alleviate the pain. You also may need physical therapy to strengthen the muscles in the foot. However, if the pain does not subside after a few months, surgery may be necessary.

Your doctor will examine your feet to determine the extent of damage to the posterior tibial tendon. In many cases, nonsurgical treatment is successful. For more severe cases, you may need a cast or orthotics to help with the pain. You may need a cortisone injection into the tendon sheath. These may provide relief, but they can be damaging to the tendon over time.

If you have a flat foot, you are at a greater risk of developing PTTD. PTTD can make walking difficult, and can even cause your toes to turn outward. PTTD can also make it difficult to walk on one leg.

If you do not have a diagnosis, you can get a referral to a specialist. Your physician will evaluate your symptoms and suggest a plan of treatment. You may be referred to a specialist who specializes in sports medicine. The expert will evaluate your condition, prescribe the right course of treatment, and give you the best care possible.

When PTTD is more advanced, you may need to wear an ankle brace or CAM boots. In the meantime, you can take some simple exercises to strengthen the muscle. A physical therapist can work with you to develop a personalized plan for rehabilitating your foot.

Prevention

The posterior tibial tendon is an important component of the ankle. It attaches the calf muscles to the inner side of the ankle and supports the arch of the foot. If it becomes inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling and a collapsed arch.

The risk of developing posterior tibial tendonitis increases with age and obesity. People with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing the condition. However, there is no reason to fear, as there are many options for treatment.

For mild cases of posterior tibial tendonitis, rest and cold packs can provide relief. For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary. The first step is to avoid activities that cause discomfort to the tendon. You should consult a healthcare professional before deciding on a treatment plan.

Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce inflammation. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the posterior tibialis tendon. Custom orthotics can be used to reduce the strain on the tibial tendon. The doctor can also prescribe a brace or walking boot to immobilize the ankle and foot.

Runners should use softer running surfaces. They should also start slow. As you increase the distance, the softer surface should be replaced with a harder one. Wear shoes that are cushioned to provide protection to the joints.

You should visit a sports medicine doctor or podiatrist if you are experiencing symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis. A specialized physician can help you to reduce your injury risk and get you back to running.

You can also take a computerized tomography scan to see the structure of your ankle and how the tendon is functioning. A physical therapist can help you develop an individualized program to heal the area.

If your healthcare provider recommends surgical treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Surgical procedures are rarely necessary for treating posterior tibial tendonitis. They can include debridement, which removes inflamed tissue. They can also involve steroid injections. You should not use these treatments for more than a month. You should also discuss them with your primary care physician.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction – OrthoInfo – AAOS
Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy | NHS Lanarkshire (scot.nhs.uk)
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