Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

Category: Podiatry blackheath

Tendonitis in the foot is a common problem because we use our feet continuously when playing sport. One of the most frequently affected tendons is the posterior tibial tendon, a structure that is normally hard at work, throughout the contact phase of gait (when the foot is in contact with the ground).

The posterior tibial tendon runs behind the inside bump on the ankle, across the instep, and attaches to the bottom of the foot. It is held in place by thick fibrous tissues which form a lever behind the ankle bone. This lever creates tremendous force, effectively slowing the foot down when the heel strikes the ground.

The symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction include pain in the instep area of the foot and swelling along the course of the tendon. The athlete may also experience pain and swelling right behind the inner ankle bone. There is usually pain when the area is touched along the course of the posterior tibial tendon behind the inner ankle. There may also be burning, shooting, tingling, stabbing pain often because the main nerve is inflamed along the inside of the ankle. Athletes experience pain when exercising or even just walking, steadily worsening toward the end of the day.

In severe cases there is significant pain when the athlete moves his/her foot, as well as pain upon passive stretching of the posterior tibial tendon, and on eversion or flattening of the foot. In some cases the tendon may actually rupture or tear, due to weakening of the tendon by the inflammatory process.

Treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

  • Protection – Your ankle may be splinted, taped or braced to prevent further injury.
  • Rest – You should rest from all activities that cause pain or limping.
  • Ice and Compression- Your Podiatrist will advise you on icing and compression techniques.
  • Elevate – Make sure to elevate the ankle above heart level when possible.
  • Your Podiatrist will advise if orthotics are necessary.
  • A combination of ankle stretching and strengthening exercises as advised by your Podiatrist.

The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Returning to your activity is determined by how soon your tendon recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred.

Towards Wellness

Eat Well!

Eating well doesn’t only reduce the risk of physical health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, but it can also help with your sleeping patterns, energy levels, and your general health and wellbeing. You might have noticed that your mood can affect your appetite and food intake. A good balanced diet with less of the bad things (e.g. junk food and lots of sugars) and more of the good things (e.g. vegies, fruit, whole grains and plenty of water) will make sure you have all of the vitamins and minerals to help your body and brain function well.

Stretch of the month

Piriformis Stretch

1. Lie on your back with both knees bent and your feet flat on the floor.
2. Place your right ankle at the base of your left thigh.
3. Place your hands behind your left thigh and pull up towards your chest until you feel a stretch.
4. Hold this position for 1 to 3 minutes.
5. Change and do the opposite side.