Post-tib Tendonitis

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis is a common ankle problem that can cause pain on the inner side of the foot and ankle. Also known as “Post-Tib Tendonitis,” it occurs when strain is placed on the posterior tibial tendon, which runs along the inside of the ankle and the foot. With Posterior Tibial Tendonitis, the tendon does not function to hold up the arch, resulting in flat feet.

Symptoms of Post-Tib Tendonitis include:

• Heel pain
• Arch pain
• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel spurs

With post-tib tendonitis, pain will be more severe upon weight bearing, especially while walking or running. Therefore it is important to find the proper foot supports.

Post-Tib Tendonitis occurs when the muscle is overused and the tendon (soft tissue) that connects the muscle to your bone is strained. Years of over-pronation (flat feet) can also lead to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. If you keep overusing the muscle, damage to the tendon builds up and tendonitis develops. At first the pain or swelling may come and go quickly, but eventually the problem may become more permanent.

Conservative treatments (non-surgical treatments) include wearing a foot orthotic with rearfoot posting and longitudinal arch support to reduce strain on the post tibial tendon and prevent excessive stretching of the plantar fascia. The orthotic should be designed with materials to comfort the foot and absorb shock.

In terms of prevention, we recommend:

• Wearing shoes that provide cushioning, support and shock absorption.
• Using orthotics with sufficient arch support that are constructed from shock absorbing, cushioning materials.
• Varying your exercise routines. The variety will keep one set of muscles from being under continuous stress.

Our Foot Solutions specialists will be delighted to provide you with further advice and demonstrate products suitable for treatment of Post-Tib Tendonitis.