Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

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Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

Steven L Wolfington, DPM
630 Riverfront Drive, Suite 202
Sheboygan, WI 53081
920-457-6104

 

Foot Excercises and Stretches

Strengthen Foot Muscles

Pull the towel under your foot with toes/arch for 3 minutes at a time. Repeat 3 times

Plantar Fascia Stretch

Fill a small plastic water bottle with water and freeze. Roll bottom of foot on frozen bottle for 10 minutes. Wait 50 minutes before repeating. Repeat 3 times throughout the day. 

Heel Cord Stretch

Sitting on the table or ground, hold your leg straight out in front of you. Loop a towel or belt around the ball of your foot, holding the ends with one hand. With knee slightly bent, steadily pull the towel or belt toward you to stretch your calf muscles. Hold for 30 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times, 3 times daily. 

Achilles Stretch

Face wall, about two paces away and with one foot in front of you. Keeping both heels flat on the floor, lean forward into the wall stretching out your calf. Hold for 30 seconds then relax, repeat 10 times, 3 times daily. 

As always, you can contact our office to answer any questions or concerns.


The posterior tibial tendon starts in the calf, stretches down behind the inside of the ankle, and attaches to bones in the middle of the foot. This tendon helps hold the arch up and provides support when stepping off on your toes when walking. If it becomes inflamed, over-stretched or torn, it can cause pain from the inner ankle. Over time, it can lead to losses in the inner arch on the bottom of your foot and result in adult-acquired flatfoot.

Signs and symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction include:

  • Gradually developing pain on the outer side of the ankle or foot.
  • Loss of the arch and the development of a flatfoot.
  • Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle.
  • Tenderness over the midfoot, especially when under stress during activity.
  • Weakness and an inability to stand on the toes.

People who are diabetic, overweight, or hypertensive are particularly at risk. X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to diagnose this condition.

Left untreated, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction may lead to flatfoot and arthritis in the hindfoot. Pain can increase and spread to the outer side of the ankle.

Treatment includes rest, over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and immobilization of the foot for six to eight weeks with a rigid below-knee cast or boot to prevent overuse. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.




Steven L. Wolfington, DPM, Podiatrist - Sheboygan  
Sheboygan Foot Care, LLC
630 Riverfront Drive, Suite 203
Sheboygan WI, 53081
920-457-6104

 

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