Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Posterior Tibial Tendinitis
1746876715
Posterior Tibial Tendinitis occurs when the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the foot's arch and provides stability while walking, becomes inflamed or damaged. This tendon runs along the inside of the ankle and foot, and irritation can lead to pain, swelling, and arch flattening, potentially resulting in adult-acquired flatfoot deformity if untreated. Diagnosis often involves a physical exam, with imaging tests like ultrasound or X-rays to assess tendon damage and rule out other conditions.
This condition is usually caused by overuse or repetitive stress from long hours standing, walking, or high-impact sports like basketball or running. Risk factors include:
- Flat feet, adding strain to the tendon. - Obesity, increasing stress on the arch. - Chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, weakening tendons. - Aging changes, making tendons more injury-prone.
Symptoms include pain and swelling along the inner ankle, difficulty standing on toes, and arch flattening, possibly causing discomfort in other foot areas.
Early treatment is crucial to avoid worsening symptoms. Most cases are managed without surgery using:
- Braces or orthotics to support the arch. - Physical therapy for muscle strengthening. - Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief. - Rest and activity modification for healing.
Severe cases may require surgery to repair the tendon or reconstruct the arch. Additionally, regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may reduce inflammation and promote healing.
If you have ongoing ankle pain, swelling, or foot shape changes, early intervention can prevent damage and restore function. Consult our team for the best treatment plan for you.
FAQs
How is Posterior Tibial Tendinitis treated?
Treatment typically begins with non-surgical methods, including the use of braces or orthotics for arch support, physical therapy to strengthen muscles, anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief, and rest combined with activity modification. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to repair the tendon or reconstruct the arch.
What are the common symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendinitis?
Symptoms include pain and swelling along the inner side of the ankle, difficulty standing on toes, and flattening of the arch, which can lead to discomfort in other areas of the foot. Morning stiffness or pain after resting is also common.
What causes Posterior Tibial Tendinitis?
The condition is primarily caused by overuse or repetitive stress, particularly from activities involving prolonged standing, walking, or engaging in high-impact sports such as basketball or running. Additional risk factors include flat feet, obesity, chronic conditions like diabetes or arthritis, and aging-related changes that make tendons more injury-prone.
What happens if Posterior Tibial Tendinitis is left untreated?
Untreated Posterior Tibial Tendinitis can lead to adult-acquired flatfoot deformity, chronic pain, and potentially severe complications such as arthritis or tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is essential to seek early treatment to prevent these complications and restore foot function.
What is Posterior Tibial Tendinitis?
Posterior Tibial Tendinitis is a condition where the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the foot's arch and aids in walking stability, becomes inflamed or damaged. This inflammation can result in pain, swelling, and potential flattening of the foot's arch.