Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Tibialis posterior tendinopathy (also known as tibialis posterior dysfunction) is a common condition. It develops when the tendon of tibialis posterior becomes injured. The tibialis posterior tendon is an important structure that works, with other structures, to hold up the arch of the foot. It runs behind the ankle bone on the inside of your ankle (medial malleolus), across the instep and attaches to the bottom of the foot.
This is often injured due to the tendon being overloaded. Pain is on the inside of the ankle. This will often cause pain when walking and possibly swelling to the inside of your ankle. This tendon is a load bearing tendon that provides stability and support for the arch of your foot therefore if it is significantly injured and left untreated it can lead to a flat foot.
It can be helped with:
- Exercise
- Insoles/Footwear
- Activity Modification
When to seek advice
If you have severe pain affecting your sleep and daily activities, if you have had a serious injury or you have symptoms that have not improved with self-management, you should contact your GP practice. If you have a red, hot swollen joint please ring 111
