Posterior Tibial Tendonitis ( PTTD )

Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition where the posterior tibial tendon, attached to the calf muscle on the inside of the foot, is inflamed and tender. The purpose of this tendon is to hold up the arch of the foot when you walk or run. When the tendon is inflamed, it cannot hold up the foot in its proper position and the arch flattens out. Swelling may result. The pain with posterior tibial tendonitis is greater with activity and is located over the area of the tendon and on the inside or outside of the ankle. This condition can be identified by the pain pattern along with the observation of the foot from the back. When the person is asked to stand straight, the toes are not pointing straight forward, but rater off towards the outside of the foot. Cause A traumatic injury such as stepping in a hole or falling can result in tears of this tendon. This is a major cause of posterior tibial tendonitis. The tendon may also be inflamed as a result of overworking the muscle/tendon. Overworking the posterior tibial tendon is common in those who participate in sports such as track and field events, tennis, football, basketball, or soccer. Women are more prone to this condition than men. Also, certain diseases make this condition more likely to occur: diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Treatment and Prevention All cases of inflammation found in the foot require rest, elevation, and the application of ice. Some may need a walking cast for up to 8 weeks to stabilize the area. Orthotics and braces may be quite helpful. The orthotics will support the arches of the feet. Rehabilitation exercises will strengthen the muscles of the lower leg and foot to further support the foot. In extreme cases, surgical repair may be necessary; however, surgery doesn’t prevent the problem from returning. The extremeness of a case involves the determination of the degree that the foot has collapsed.