Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Description

Tendons are the ends of muscles that attach to bones. Tendonitis means there is inflammation (or irritation) of the tendon. It can be caused by using the tendon too much, an injury, or doing an activity your body isn't used to. There are two peroneal tendons in the lower leg. The posterior tibial tendon is the tendon that runs along the inner aspect of the ankle and the foot.

The tendon is responsible for holding up the arches of the feet. Inflammation or irritation of this tendon is most commonly seen in people with flat feet. If the posterior tibial tendon becomes damaged, the arch of the foot can collapse and the foot can become flatter over time; this is a condition that is seen in adults and is called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD). It is the most common cause of flat foot in adults. PTTD is common in females, people over the age of 40 and in overweight or obese people.

Symptoms

Pain along the inner part of the ankle and foot, swelling, redness, warmth, difficulty walking, stiffness. In severe cases, you may notice the foot becoming flatter and wider. 

Treatment Options

RICE, NSAIDs, physical therapy, braces, custom orthotics, and PRP.

Treatment Options Description (with Duration)

As soon as you notice pain, it is important to remember RICE: Rest, Ice, Compress and Elevate. If the pain has not gotten better after 2-3 days, it is time to visit a podiatrist. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be prescribed a brace or other device to help rest your foot/ankle and limit excess movement. You may also need physical therapy for about 4-6 weeks to help with pain and swelling and also to strengthen the tendon after it has healed. For more long-term support, custom orthotics (shoe inserts) can also be made to help prevent the problem from coming back.

For our athletes and Broadway dancers, as well as for anyone who needs to get back on the field right away, our doctors may also recommend PRP to not only help with pain, but also to expedite the recovery process.

Expected Outcome

If posterior tibial tendonitis is caught and managed early, then further damage to the tendon can be prevented.

Get Back to Doing What You Love Faster 

At To Healthy Feet Podiatry, we don't want anything hindering you from doing what you love! That's why we offer fully customized and highly effective Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatments, including PRP, to get you back on your feet quickly. To find out more, call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.