Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

What is posterior tibial tendonitis, and how is it treated?

Posterior tibial tendonitis (also known as posterior tendon dysfunction) is a common foot and ankle problem. Posterior tibial tendonitis occurs when the posterior tibial tendon, located in the foot, gets torn or inflamed.

Discover how OrthoNeuro’s foot and ankle specialists in Columbus, Ohio, can diagnose and treat complex conditions like posterior tibial tendonitis and adult-acquired flatfoot deformity with personalized care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!

Posterior tibial tendonitis usually causes pain in the foot and ankle. In addition, it may result in adult-acquired flat foot deformity because of the inability of the posterior tibial tendon to provide support and stability for the arch of the foot.

If you are experiencing pain in your ankle or foot that interferes with mobility, then schedule a consultation with the team at OrthoNeuro. Our orthopedic surgeons provide state-of-the-art diagnosis and personalized treatment. So call or book an appointment now.

Anatomy of the Posterior Tibialis Tendon

The posterior tibial tendon is an important tendon in the leg. A tendon (strong cord-like tissue) attaches muscles to bones. The posterior tibial tendon attaches the calf (posterior tibial) muscle to the bones in the foot.

The posterior tibial tendon extends from the calf down to the inside of the ankle and the bones of the foot. The posterior tibial tendon is important for walking as it supports the stability and arch of the foot.

What Causes Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

Tibial tendonitis is often caused by repetitive use of the posterior tibial tendon. This condition is common in people with obesity as well as those who participate in sports that involve a high impact on the ankle and foot, such as dancing, basketball, soccer, and tennis.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis are:

Swelling in the ankle
Weakness in the foot
Pain on the inside of the foot and ankle bone (medial malleolus)
Spasms of the peroneal tendons on the outside of the foot
A gradual flattening of the arch of the foot (a flat foot)
Pain in the tarsal tunnel (similar to carpal tunnel in the hand)
Difficulty walking or running

When to See a Doctor

If you have the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see your doctor. If left untreated, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can lead to progressive collapsing foot deformity.

As the condition progresses, the arch in the foot begins to flatten, which causes more pain. A flattened arch may also cause damage to nearby structures inside the ankle such as the deltoid ligament. The joints can also become misaligned, leading to ankle arthritis.

How is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Diagnosed?

A foot and ankle specialist usually makes the diagnosis of tibial tendonitis. To diagnose this condition, the specialist will ask about your medical history and your level of physical activity.

Your healthcare provider might also ask you to stand on your toes (single-limb heel-rise) to see if you have lost the arch of your foot. To confirm a diagnosis of tibial tendonitis, a doctor will also take imaging tests such as X-rays and MRIs.

What is the Treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

Most patients can be treated for posterior tibial tendonitis without surgery using foot braces and orthotics. Non-surgical treatments are usually used with patients who are in the early stages of posterior tibial tendon degeneration.

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks to recover fully.

The non-surgical treatment methods used for tibial tendonitis include:

Limiting activities that place stress on the ankle or foot, such as sports
Applying ice to the foot
Elevating the foot to reduce swelling
Taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen
Physical therapy to strengthen the posterior tendon
Orthotics and foot braces to support the tendon and allow it to heal

Surgical treatment is usually recommended for patients with advanced stages of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction or those who haven’t recovered using conservative treatments within six months. Posterior tibialis tendon surgery involves foot and ankle surgeons removing inflamed or torn tissue from the foot.

Then, another procedure replaces the damaged posterior tibial tendon with a healthy tendon transfer from the foot.

Achilles tendon lengthening is another surgical procedure that may be recommended to treat adult-acquired flat foot.

With more advanced cases of tibial tendonitis, a foot and ankle surgeon may realign the foot by fusing the joints in the foot together using plates and screws.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of posterior tendon dysfunction, schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified foot and ankle specialists at one of our many convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.

Medically reviewed by Scott A. Smith MD, FAAOS

Sources

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/posterior-tibial-tendon-dysfunction/

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