Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction and Tendonopathy
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is an inflammation and/ or over stretching of the posterior tibial tendon of the foot.
The tendon is very important in supporting the arch of the foot when standing, walking and running. If the tendon becomes inflamed or stretched the foot can often become very flat, unstable and the person is often unable to push off the foot when walking.
Signs and Symptoms
- Excessive flattening of the foot arch
- Pain, redness, heat and swelling in the instep of the foot, arch and inside of the ankle
- Loss of spring in step and inability to rise onto tip toes
- Uneven wear on the inside of footwear
Causes
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle tightness
- Hypermobility (often called double-jointed)
- Flat feet
- Excessive weight gain
Treatment
- Exercise program under the guidance of our HCPC registered podiatrists
- Foot orthotics to support the flattened arch and rest the stretched tendon
- Ice and anti inflammatory medications
- Rest, particularly from strenuous weight bearing activities and impact sports
- Supportive footwear
- Shockwave therapy
- Steroid injections (rarely used)
- Acupuncture
- Walking boots or casts to completely rest the area in extreme cases
