Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Each year, millions of Americans seek treatment for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, a painful injury. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the highly skilled podiatrists offer conservative treatments for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, including custom orthotics, braces, and injection therapy. Call the nearest office to learn more about the treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction today, or book online.

What is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction?

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction occurs when your posterior tibial tendon –– a band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to the bones in your inner foot –– becomes inflamed or injured. Without treatment, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction causes your arches to fall, resulting in foot pain and mobility problems.

Does posterior tibial tendon dysfunction present symptoms?

Symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction include:

• Pain on the inside of the affected foot or ankle
• Pain that’s worse during exercise or other activities
• Pain on the outside of the ankle
• Difficulty walking

As the condition worsens, you might also experience swelling or bruising on the inside of your foot or ankle.

What causes posterior tibial tendon dysfunction?

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction occurs for various reasons. Sometimes, it’s because of general wear-and-tear. For example, long-distance runners and athletes who play high-impact sports like basketball are more likely to have tears in their posterior tibial tendons. Other times, it’s because of an acute injury, like a fall.

How is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction diagnosed?

To diagnose posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, your Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical charts and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete an exam, checking the inside of your foot and ankle for swelling or other visible abnormalities. 

Your provider also asks you to stand on your tiptoes. If you can’t stand on one leg or raise your heel, it indicates an underlying problem with your posterior tibial tendon. 

Sometimes, an exam isn’t enough to confirm a diagnosis. If necessary, your provider can order diagnostic imaging, like an ultrasound, to get a closer look at your posterior tibial tendon.

How is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction treated?

Treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Usually, Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists recommend conservative measures, including:

• Rest
• Ice
• Taking anti-inflammatory pain medication
• Immobilization with a cast or a boot
• Bracing
• Physical therapy
• Corticosteroid injections

If your foot pain continues or worsens after six months of conservative treatments, surgery might be necessary. The type of surgery that will most benefit you depends on the severity of the inflammation and how much of your tendon is damaged.

Call the nearest Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists office today to receive treatment for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or book online.