Do you have pain on the inside of your foot and ankle? It could be posterior tibial tendonitis, a common condition that affects the foot and ankle. The pain of posterior tibial tendonitis is usually worse when you stay up on your feet, which means it can affect how you live your daily life.
In this article, we will look at posterior tibial tendonitis, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention.
What is Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?
This form of tendonitis develops when the concerned tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. This fibrous band of tissue runs along the inside of the foot and ankle, and it helps to support the foot arch.
When the tendon is inflamed, it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the foot and ankle.
Symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
The most common symptom of this condition is pain in the inner part of your foot and ankle.
The pain is usually worse when walking or running, and it may get worse after standing for long periods of time. Other symptoms of posterior tibial tendonitis include:
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Weakness in the foot
- A feeling of instability in the foot
- A flattening of the foot arch
Causes of Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
The exact cause of posterior tibial tendonitis is not always known. However, there are a number of factors that can contribute to the development of this condition, including:
Overuse
Posterior tibial tendonitis is often caused by overuse, such as from excessive walking, running, or sports activities.
Injury
Posterior tibial tendonitis can also be caused by an injury to the foot or ankle, such as a sprain or fracture.
Age
Posterior tibial tendonitis is more common in people over the age of 40.
Foot structure
People with certain foot structures, such as high arches or flat feet, are more likely to develop posterior tibial tendonitis.
Other Medical Conditions
Other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also increase the risk of developing posterior tibial tendonitis.
Diagnosing the Condition
The diagnosis of posterior tibial tendonitis is usually made by your foot doctor. They will perform a physical examination of the foot and ankle to:
- Understand which part is painful
- Look for areas of tenderness and swelling
- Test your range of motion
They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions and make an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
The treatment for posterior tibial tendonitis will mostly depend on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
In more serious cases, they may recommend physical therapy or orthotics. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the foot and ankle, and orthotics can support your foot arch.In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tendon.
Treatment plans may vary from patient to patient and will depend on the following factors:
- The severity of the injury
- Your health status and lifestyle
- Any underlying health conditions
- Your goals and preferences for treatment
Preventing Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
There are a number of things that you can do to help prevent posterior tibial tendonitis, including:
- Warm up before exercising
- Stretch your calves and Achilles’ tendon regularly
- Wear supportive shoes
- Limit activities that put stress on your foot and ankle
- Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Manage any underlying medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
Recovery from Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
The recovery period for posterior tibial tendonitis varies depending on how severe it is. In mild cases, recovery may take a few weeks. In more severe cases, recovery may take several months.
It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions during your recovery. This may include resting your foot, using ice and compression, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. You may also need physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around your foot and ankle.
If you have posterior tibial tendonitis, seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment can help to prevent the condition from getting worse and can speed up your recovery.
Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment Near You in Cincinnati, OH
Posterior tibial tendonitis is painful and can affect the foot and ankle significantly. It is important to seek treatment if you have this condition, as early treatment can help prevent it from getting worse and can speed up your recovery. There are many things you can do to help prevent posterior tibial tendonitis, like warming up before exercising, stretching your calves and Achilles tendon regularly, wearing supportive shoes, and limiting activities that put stress on your foot and ankle.
If you have any questions or concerns about posterior tibial tendonitis, please talk to your doctor. They can help determine the best course of treatment for your individual needs.
Do you need personalized posterior tibial tendonitis treatment near you in Ohio? You can rely on Cincinnati Foot & Ankle Care (CFAC) and our highly trained and skilled podiatrists. Contact one of our 17 locations across southwest Ohio or fill out our online request form.
We look forward to helping you recover from posterior tibial tendonitis!
