The posterior tibial tendon is one of two major tendons that support your arch. The posterior tibial tendon allows you to point your foot downward and turn the foot to the inside or towards the midline of your body. The main function of the posterior tibial tendon is to hold up the arch and support the foot when walking. It is located on the inside of the lower leg along the shin bone (tibia), travels behind the inside ankle bone (medial malleolus), passes along the arch (longitudinal), and attaches to the bottom of the foot. The tendon can become inflamed (called posterior tibial tendonitis or PTT) from repetitive activity stressing, stretching and lengthening the tendon.
If the posterior tendon is overstretched or torn it will no longer support the arch causing a sudden or gradual drop in arch height. This is called Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) and can lead to heel pain, arch pain, plantar fasciitis, peroneal tendinitis, heel spurs hallux limitus/rigidus, osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle and difficulty raising up on the ball of the foot. The pain will be more severe upon weight bearing with posterior tibial tendonitis, especially while walking or running. Advanced posterior tibial tendon dysfunction can result in a rigid adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is a progressive condition. Early and aggressive conservative treatment can prevent posterior tibial tendon dysfunction from advancing to an adult acquired flat foot deformity. Tears or rupture of the posterior tibial tendon typically requires surgery.
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Sole Remedy can provide foot, and ankle support to prevent further breakdown and changes to the arch and posterior tibial tendon. Call today to make an appointment and get relief from posterior tibial tendonitis pain!
Sole Remedy specializes in gait analysis, foot type assessment, musculoskeletal injury management, and fall prevention.
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