Important Information Regarding Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
Posterior tibial tendonitis is the swelling and inflammation of the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon is one of the major supporting structures of the foot, preventing sagging and flat footedness. If you have noticed discomfort in the interior side of your ankle, you may be suffering from posterior tibial tendonitis or even a tear in the tendon. For more information on symptoms, causes, and treatments of posterior tibial tendonitis, read further and contact your physician.
Common Causes
This form of tendonitis can be caused by various potential factors. One of the most common causes is overuse. If you experience pain in your ankle or tendon after activities like climbing stairs, walking, hiking, or jogging, it is possible that you triggered a bout of tendonitis. This is especially common when the sufferer is out of shape and not used to these types of activities. Long-term wear and tear on your posterior tibial tendon can also result in a painful case of tendonitis or even a tear in the tendon.
If you are overweight you have increased chances of developing posterior tibial tendonitis because your weight puts undue stress on the tendon, forcing it to stretch unnaturally. Additionally, a past history of arthritis or certain types of diabetes may also make you a candidate.
Another common cause of this inflammation is a sudden trauma. Athletes frequently get tendon injuries due to the excessive force that their bodies go through. In particular, unnatural twisting of the ankle or a forceful blow to the ankle are generally the culprits for athletic-related tendonitis injuries.
Symptoms
Unless you’ve undergone an injury that resulted in a tear to the tendon, most symptoms of this type of tendonitis come on gradually. There are several common symptoms to watch for, aside from pain which is to be expected.
If you notice that the arch of your foot is gradually flattening out, it may be caused by this tendon being damaged. You may also notice that you can no longer stand on your tip toes of the injured/sore foot. This requires proper structural support in your feet, and may be accompanied by tenderness located on the top part of your foot.
You may notice changes in your ankle as well. Your ankle may begin to roll inwards, unable to remain straight. During physical activities you may hear popping noises that arise from your ankle, accompanied by pain.
These unpleasant symptoms mean that you need to get yourself to a physician as soon as possible to see the extent of the damage and begin treatment.
Treatment
The treatment required for posterior tibial tendonitis relies heavily on the extent of damage and severity of the tendonitis. If you have a mild case, your doctor will likely order you to take a break from any physical activities that aggravate your tendon. You may also be advised to begin a regimen of anti-inflammatory medicine like aspirin. This will help with the pain and irritation of your tendon.
A moderate case may require you to wear a specialized walking cast that will prevent any strain on your tendon. Shoe inserts or an ankle brace may follow this, as well as several weeks of physical therapy.
In severe cases surgery may be required to repair your tendon. The surgery may involve removing damaged tissues, bone fusions, or realigning your foot bones. Following surgery, you will be expected to wear a cast for at least 6 weeks, followed by intense physical therapy and rehab.
Severity of injury can be minimized if you contact your doctor at the first signs of tendonitis. If left untreated, you may lose the arch of your foot and face a permanent, painful foot deformity.