Tibialis Posterior Tendon Injury
The tibialis posterior muscle is a long, thin and extremely strong muscle that starts in the depth of your calf, runs down the inside of the leg, around the inside of the ankle and underneath the foot.
What is its role and why is it important?
The tibialis posterior is the muscle that is responsible for maintaining the arch of the foot and resisting the foot/ankle rolling in excessively each time that you put weight on your foot.
Its proper functioning is crucial to maintain stability, balance and strength. Because of this important role, it is prone to being overloaded, overworked and is often injured.
What causes its injury?
Tibialis posterior tendonitis is caused by a number of factors that contribute to its overuse, these can include…
Increase in activity levels. Walking the new dog, starting football training again, training for your 10k running event etc.
Abnormal foot biomechanics. The foot rolling in (pronating) excessively, the arch collapsing etc
Improper footwear for your activity. Wearing worn, old or improperly fitting joggers, flat shoes etc.
Poor strength. Reduced capacity to handle load as a result of reduced strength in the muscle itself or the surrounding muscles.
If tibialis posterior tendonitis is not treated relatively promptly, it can develop into a more serious condition called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. This is when the tendon essentially gives up, this can cause long term disability and a permanently flat foot.
What are the Symptoms?
Generally people will notice a deep aching pain midway through exercise/work day, worsening pain in the arch and inside of the ankle, pain on the outside of the foot, swelling and redness around the inside of the foot and ankle.
Pain will typically worsen with activity and will be painful first thing in the morning after you've been on your feet/after sitting down.
How is it treated?
An early and accurate diagnosis is essential. Once our podiatrists have assessed the injury and identified the contributing factors an individual treatment plan will be put in place. This may include treatments such as…
Modifications to training and activity levels
Strength and rehabilitation programs
Custom or prefabricated foot orthotics (orthoses)
Footwear changes
Shockwave therapy
Strapping and taping therapies
Massage and soft tissue releases
Injection therapies
Given the nature of this injury, it’s critical you see a podiatrist to assure appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan is carried out.
Our highly qualified and award-winning podiatrists are experts in tibialis posterior injury and its our commitment to provide the highest quality of care to each individual. We are dedicated to providing entirely tailor-made diagnosis and treatment services that get results fast.
Book a consultation with our Podiatrists to discuss your condition and we will get you back pain-free, doing the things you love as quickly as possible.