Comprehensive Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis, MO
Tendonitis can be a common problem in the foot as we continuously walk and use our feet daily. The posterior tibial tendon can be especially prone to tendonitis, as it helps maintain the arch and prevent excessive flattening (pronation) while walking, standing, or running. Posterior tibial tendonitis can be a precursor to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, which is characterized by a progressive loss of strength and arch flattening.
Don’t let posterior tibial tendonitis slow you down! Contact Missouri Foot & Ankle to request an appointment with a trusted podiatrist today.
Anatomy of the Posterior Tibial Tendon
The posterior tibial tendon starts in the deep portion of the calf and runs behind the prominent bone on the inside of the ankle. It continues along towards the foot and inserts into multiple locations on the inside and bottom of the arch. Each step places a tremendous amount of tension and stress on the posterior tibial tendon as it helps maintain and recreate the arch.
Every step has a natural depression and recreation of the arch that allows for shock absorption. The amount of shock absorption or arch depression varies from person to person, depending on the architecture of their foot (flatfeet versus a high arch).
While many believe that only a flatfooted person would get posterior tibial tendonitis, this isn’t always the case. It can happen with any foot type, weight, or activity level.
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Symptoms
Symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis include pain and swelling within the inside of the ankle and arch along the tendon. Pain is present with exercise and extended periods of walking or standing. This discomfort will usually increase as the disease progresses and will localize along the tendon around the inside of the ankle or arch.
Pain Progression and Tendon Injury
While this pain is initially absent when at rest, it may progress to the point where pain arises even when not active. Pain and swelling are signs of tendon injury. The sheath or sleeve surrounding the tendon produces excessive amounts of lubricating fluid in an attempt to allow the tendon to glide more efficiently during the healing process.
This excessive fluid production results in visible swelling on the inside of the ankle and arch. In advanced cases, a tendon injury that started as tendonitis may progress to a full or partial tear.
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Diagnosis
Doctors often diagnose posterior tibial tendonitis by evaluating your history and performing a physical exam. In many instances, we’ll conduct an MRI or ultrasound to determine the extent of damage to the posterior tibial tendon.
A simple assessment of tendon strength can be conducted by standing on the “tip of the toes” on each foot. In cases of tendonitis, the affected foot may feel weak and painful. In advanced cases, the patient may not be able to lift the heel from the ground as much or not at all compared to the unaffected foot.
For effective diagnosis and proper treatment, request an appointment with one of our expert foot and ankle doctors in St. Louis today!
Treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
Treatment can depend on how long the symptoms have been present and the amount of strength lost (if any) in the tendon. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, rest, and orthotics are often the first courses of treatment.
Injections of cortisone-type medications are performed on rare occasions and are often accompanied by cast immobilization. These procedures are designed to decrease the inflammation in and around the tendon and the stresses placed on it.
Advanced and Surgical Options
In more severe cases, a cast from the knee down may be utilized for four to six weeks to allow the tendon to rest without placing the day-to-day demands of walking on it. If these measures fail to produce acceptable results, surgical intervention may be necessary to clean around the tendon and repair any defects in it.
Surgical repair is more commonly needed when the tendon is progressively weak. As mentioned earlier, this loss of strength is called posterior tibial tendon dysfunction and is covered in detail in that section.
Step Toward Relief with Expert Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment in St. Louis, MO
If posterior tibial tendonitis is holding you back, the experts at Missouri Foot & Ankle can help! Our dedicated team of podiatrists in St. Louis specializes in premium foot and ankle care for all lifestyles. We use state-of-the-art medical treatments and customized plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Take the first step toward regaining your mobility and comfort. Request an appointment today!