Conditions
Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
Home >> Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
The tibialis posterior tendon plays a crucial role in foot and ankle stability. It originates deep in the calf, travels behind the medial malleolus (the inner ankle bone), and inserts into various points along the inner and bottom arch of the foot.
Functions of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon
Functions of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon
- Arch Support: Helps maintain the foot’s arch and prevents excessive flattening (overpronation).
- Stability: Provides stability during everyday activities and high-impact exercises.
- Push-Off Power: Contracts to assist with the push-off phase in walking and running.
Common Issues
Due to its critical functions, this tendon can be prone to overuse injuries, particularly in athletes and those involved in high-impact activities. Symptoms of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction may include:
- Pain along the inner ankle or foot.
- Swelling or tenderness.
- Difficulty with activities that require balance or pushing off.
Symptoms
Arch related pain, that generally radiates up to the calf. Swelling could present in the foot and up to the calf.
Assessment
- Stretching: Helps relieve tension on the plantar fascia.
- Footwear Changes: Supportive shoes can alleviate strain.
- Strapping: Reduces pressure on the plantar fascia.
- Foot Mobilization: Aims to realign foot bones and reduce stress.
- Orthotic Therapy: Custom insoles support and align the foot.
- Massage: Focuses on the plantar fascia to alleviate tightness.
- Dry Needling: Targets trigger points in soft tissue for pain relief.
- Shockwave Therapy: Uses acoustic waves to promote healing.
- Prolotherapy Injections: Involves injections to stimulate healing.
