Tibialis posterior is a muscle in your lower leg that runs down the inside of your ankle and attaches into the inside of your foot arch.
What is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis and how is it treated?
It is crucial in maintaining the strength and stability of your foot arch and can be left prone to injuries. Posterior Tibial Tendonitis or Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) refers to the overstretching and overuse of the Tibialis Posterior tendon in the foot. With the dysfunction of the tendon due to chronic use, the foot may flatten (referred to as “adult-acquired flat foot”). This can also lead to heel pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis and/or heel spurs.
What causes Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction is mostly caused by long term overuse of the tendon leading to inflammation, pain and degeneration. It can also be prone to tears and strains following an acute injury.
Common activities that may cause Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction may include running, walking, climbing stairs or sports that result in the repetitive use of the tendon.
What are the symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
Due to the characteristics of PTTD, symptoms worsen as the injury progresses.
Initial symptoms in early stages may include:
- Pain along the inside area of the foot and ankle, which may also be red and swollen.
- Pain that worsens with activity
If PTTD is left unmanaged, the foot arch often collapses with time.
These symptoms may include:
- Worsened pain in the arch and inside ankle.
- Pain on the outside of the foot, below the ankle as there is greater pressure on the outside of the ankle bone.
- Increased likelihood of other foot complications.
What do we do at Performance Podiatry to treat Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?
As PTTD is progressive and disabling, it is essential that an early and accurate diagnosis is made. While it is possible to manage PTTD in late stages, treatment of the injury is much more manageable when addressed early. Performance Podiatry has treated thousands of people with this condition and there are plenty of options we may include in our treatment plan. These include:
- A period of reduced training/ reduced activity
- Exercise therapy
- Orthotic therapy
- Footwear recommendations
- Shockwave therapy
- Strapping/ taping
- Manual therapy
Given the nature of this injury, it’s critical you see a podiatrist to assure appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan is carried out. Our podiatrists at Performance Podiatry are experts at managing all conditions of the foot and lower leg, so be sure to book an appointment today.
Make a podiatrist appointment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatment.
Our highly qualified and experienced podiatrists are experts in biomechanics and it’s our philosophy that the finest foot care requires an entirely bespoke experience. That’s why we are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that are the best in Australia.
Our dynamic practice has a holistic approach to resolving foot complaints.
From assessment and diagnosis to extraordinary treatment, every step of your journey with us will deliver you the ultimate podiatric experience, resulting in healthier and happier feet.
Book a consultation with our podiatrists in Sydney (Macquarie St), Darlinghurst and Randwick to discuss your condition and we’ll get you pain-free and back to full function as smoothly and quickly as possible, so you can return to the activities and life you love.
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