Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
What is Posterior Tibial tendonitis?
Posterior Tibial tendonitis is inflammation along this tendon on the inside of the ankle extending into the foot. The posterior tibial tendon’s job is to support the boney architecture in the foot with ambulation. When this tendon is inflamed, people will describe the pain located in the medial or inside of foot and ankle. In more severe cases a patient may not be able to perform a single heel raise. Meaning they can not go up on their toes or foot with out the aid of the other leg.
Many times patient will have an associated flattening of the arch over time that can lead to a more severe flatfoot condition.
Many times patient will have an associated flattening of the arch over time that can lead to a more severe flatfoot condition.
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Treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
When someone presents to the office with posterior tibial tendonitis, many different treatment strategies are available depending on the severity of the problem.
In mild cases, patients often get better with ice, resing and an anti-inflammatory. In addition to the standard RICE treatment, we often reccommend Powerstep Orthotics and a good shoe to wear around the house to avoid being barefoot. Protecting the foot and helping the tendon with support whenever ambulating becomes very important.
In moderate to more severe cases the patient still needs to follow the advice above. In addition to that, the more severe cases of posterior tibial tendonitis patients are place in a Tall Cam Walker boot. Though patients hate wearing this boot, it is a great way to immobilize the tendon and give it rest.