What is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

Posterior tibial tendonitis is an inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon, a tendon connecting the lower leg to the foot.

It is a thick band of tissue that runs along the inside of your lower leg and ankle. It originates behind the calf bone (shinbone) and inserts onto the underside of the navicular bone in the midfoot. The posterior tibial tendon plays a crucial role in several foot functions:

Arch support: The posterior tibial tendon acts like a natural spring, helping to maintain the arch of your foot. When functioning properly, it helps distribute your weight evenly across your foot during walking, running, and other activities.
Foot stability: The tendon also helps stabilize your foot during movement, particularly when pushing off with your toes. It works with other muscles and tendons to prevent your foot from rolling inward (excessive pronation).
Ankle flexion: The posterior tibial tendon also contributes to flexing your ankle downward, a motion essential for activities like walking, running, and climbing stairs.

What Causes Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

Several factors can contribute to posterior tibial tendonitis, including:

Overuse: Activities that put repetitive stress on the foot, such as running, jumping, or wearing unsupportive shoes, can lead to inflammation. An acute injury may feel sudden and severe but is often the result of cumulative wear and tear over time.
Flat feet: People with flat feet have less natural arch support, placing additional strain on the posterior tibial tendon.
Age-related changes: As we age, the tendons lose some of their elasticity, making them more susceptible to injury.
Sudden increase in activity: Suddenly ramping up your exercise routine can overuse the tendon.
Obesity: Carrying extra weight puts additional stress on your feet and ankles.

What are the symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

Common symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis include:

Pain on the inner side of your ankle and arch, especially during activity. Patients may notice pain near the joint, which can be indicative of tendon injury.
Tenderness to the touch.
Swelling around the ankle.
Difficulty pushing off with your toes.
A flattening of the arch. As the arch begins to flatten, the toes begin to turn outward and the ankle rolls inward, leading to further complications.

How is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Diagnosed?

Your podiatrist at Gotham Footcare will diagnose posterior tibial tendonitis through a comprehensive examination. This typically includes:

Discussion of your symptoms and medical history: Your podiatrist will ask you about the nature of your pain, including its location, severity, and duration. They will also inquire about your activity level, any recent injuries, and any footwear you wear regularly. PTTD initially develops with pain on the inside of the foot and ankle, along with redness, warmth, and swelling in the area.
Physical examination of your foot and ankle: The podiatrist will carefully examine your foot and ankle, looking for swelling, tenderness, and any deformity. They will also assess your range of motion in the ankle joint and check for any weakness in the muscles that support the foot and ankle.
Imaging tests (in some cases): While X-rays are not typically helpful in diagnosing posterior tibial tendonitis, they may be used to rule out other causes of your pain, such as a fracture or arthritis. In some cases, an ultrasound or MRI may be used to visualize the posterior tibial tendon and assess the extent of inflammation.
Additional tests: In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend additional tests, such as an electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction study, to rule out nerve problems that can mimic the symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment Benefits and Physical Therapy

Effective treatment of posterior tibial tendonitis offers a multitude of benefits, including:

Reduced Pain: Treatment aims to alleviate pain and improve your overall comfort level.
Improved Mobility: Regaining normal mobility allows you to participate in the activities you enjoy.
Enhanced Stability: Strengthening the muscles around the ankle improves stability and prevents future injuries.
Faster Recovery: A personalized treatment plan promotes faster healing and a quicker return to your daily routine.
Non-surgical Solutions: Our focus on non-surgical treatments avoids the risks and downtime associated with surgery.
Custom Orthotics: Custom orthotics provide long-term support, prevent recurrence, and support the foot's arches, especially for individuals with flat feet.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment Candidates and Custom Orthotics

If you are experiencing pain on the inner side of your ankle and arch, especially during activity, you may be a candidate for treatment of posterior tibial tendonitis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening. Shoe inserts may be recommended as an early-stage treatment to support the arch and alleviate symptoms. While we prioritize conservative methods, advanced cases may require surgical intervention. During your consultation, our podiatrist will discuss your individual needs and determine the best course of treatment for you.

Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation at Gotham Footcare, our experienced podiatrists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your foot and ankle to accurately diagnose posterior tibial tendonitis and develop a personalized treatment plan. You can expect to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to the condition. Our team will also explain your treatment options in detail, answer your questions, and address any concerns you may have.

To prepare for your consultation, please bring a list of any current medications, previous foot or ankle injuries, and any relevant medical records. Wearing comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your feet will facilitate the examination process.

Why Choose Gotham Footcare?

Gotham Footcare is renowned for our expertise in diagnosing and treating posterior tibial tendonitis.

Our team of experienced podiatrists is dedicated to providing personalized care and achieving optimal outcomes for our patients. We utilize the latest advancements in foot and ankle care to deliver effective and compassionate treatment. Gotham Footcare is also committed to advancing the science of orthopedic surgery through research and education. Our commitment to patient satisfaction, combined with our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technologies, sets us apart as a leader in podiatric care in New York City.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis FAQs

Is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis common?

Yes, posterior tibial tendonitis is a relatively common condition, especially among athletes and individuals with flat feet.

Is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatment painful?

Most non-surgical treatments for posterior tibial tendonitis are not painful. Our physical therapist will ensure that our treatment is therapeutic and comfortable.

What are the risks associated with Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatment?

The risks associated with non-surgical treatment are minimal. However, there is a small risk of infection with corticosteroid injections.

It's important to note that peroneal tendonitis, an overuse injury on the outer side of the ankle often associated with activities such as running along the sides of hills or participating in sports like ballet or soccer, is different from posterior tibial tendonitis.

Is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis preventable?

While it's not always possible to prevent posterior tibial tendonitis, wearing supportive footwear, maintaining a healthy weight, and gradually increasing physical activity levels can help reduce your risk.

Is there a permanent solution to Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?

In most cases, posterior tibial tendonitis can be successfully managed with non-surgical treatments. However, for severe or chronic cases, surgery may be considered as a permanent solution.

What happens if Posterior Tibial Tendonitis goes untreated?

If left untreated, posterior tibial tendonitis can worsen, leading to chronic pain, instability, and potential foot deformity.

How much does Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatment cost?

The cost of posterior tibial tendonitis treatment varies depending on the specific treatment plan. We recommend contacting our office to determine your insurance coverage.

Will my insurance cover Posterior Tibial Tendonitis treatment?

Most insurance plans cover at least some portion of posterior tibial tendonitis treatment. Contact our office and we will verify your coverage with your insurance provider.

Your First Step to Getting Better

At Gotham Footcare in NYC, we strive at recognizing your individual needs and desired outcomes while formulating an effective and personalized treatment plan with the highest quality care available.

What sets Gotham Footcare apart from other podiatry offices is our dedication to providing you with the education you need to make well-informed decisions regarding your care. Regardless of what your foot and ankle trouble may be, at Gotham Footcare our team will work tirelessly to help you feel better. At Gotham Footcare, we help you put your best foot forward.

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