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  /  Ankle   /  Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy

Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy is a condition characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the tibialis posterior tendon, often resulting in pain and dysfunction. This guide focuses on the anatomy, causes, symptoms, epidemiology, treatments, prevention, risk factors, aggravating and alleviating factors, physical therapy assessment, and detailed physical therapy treatment, including step-by-step exercises.

Anatomy of the Tibialis Posterior Tendon

The tibialis posterior tendon is a key stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Originating from the posterior surface of the tibia and fibula, the tendon courses down the leg, behind the medial malleolus, and inserts on the navicular and medial cuneiform bones, with extensions to other tarsal bones. This tendon plays a crucial role in foot inversion and plantarflexion.

Causes

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy typically results from overuse, leading to microtrauma and degeneration. Common causes include:

  • Overpronation of the foot.
  • Repetitive activities like running or walking.
  • Acute trauma or injury.
  • Poor foot mechanics or improper footwear.
  • Obesity or increased body weight.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tibialis posterior tendinopathy include:

  • Pain along the inside of the foot and ankle.
  • Swelling in the affected area.
  • Difficulty standing on tiptoes.
  • A flattening of the arch of the foot.
  • Tenderness and warmth around the tendon.

Epidemiology

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy is more prevalent in individuals over the age of 40 and is commonly seen in athletes, particularly runners. Women are slightly more prone to developing this condition than men.

Treatments

Treatment of tibialis posterior tendinopathy aims to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Options include:

  • Rest and activity modification.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
  • Orthotics to support the arch.
  • Physical therapy.
  • Surgery in severe cases.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

  • Wearing appropriate footwear with good arch support.
  • Avoiding overuse and repetitive stress on the feet.
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Performing regular stretching and strengthening exercises.

Risk Factors

Key risk factors for tibialis posterior tendinopathy include:

  • Flat feet or overpronation.
  • High-impact sports participation.
  • Previous foot or ankle injuries.
  • Diabetes and inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Aggravating and Alleviating Factors

Aggravating Factors:

  • Prolonged standing or walking.
  • Running on uneven surfaces.
  • Wearing improper footwear.
  • Sudden increase in physical activity.

Alleviating Factors:

  • Rest and elevation of the foot.
  • Applying ice to reduce inflammation.
  • Using orthotics or supportive footwear.
  • Physical therapy interventions.

Physical Therapy Assessment

A thorough physical therapy assessment for tibialis posterior tendinopathy includes:

  • Detailed patient history and symptom review.
  • Observation of gait and foot mechanics.
  • Palpation to identify tender areas.
  • Functional tests such as the single-leg heel raise.
  • Range of motion and strength assessments of the ankle and foot.

Physical Therapy Treatment

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for tibialis posterior tendinopathy, focusing on pain relief, strength restoration, and functional improvement.

Initial Phase

  1. Pain Management:
    • Ice application for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times daily.
    • Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation.
  2. Activity Modification:
    • Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms.
    • Using orthotics for arch support.
  3. Gentle Stretching:
    • Calf stretches to improve flexibility.
    • Foot intrinsic muscle stretches.

Intermediate Phase

  1. Strengthening Exercises:
    • Towel Scrunches: Sit with your feet flat on the ground and a towel under your toes. Scrunch the towel towards you using your toes.
    • Toe Curls with Resistance Band: Place a resistance band around your toes and curl your toes against the resistance.
  2. Balance and Proprioception:
    • Single-Leg Stance: Stand on one leg for 30 seconds, progressing to doing this on an unstable surface like a foam pad.

Advanced Phase

  1. Functional Strengthening:
    • Heel Raises: Perform heel raises, starting on both feet and progressing to single-leg heel raises.
    • Eccentric Calf Raises: Lower the heel slowly over the edge of a step.
  2. Plyometric Exercises:
    • Box Jumps: Jump onto and off a box, focusing on soft landings and proper form.
    • Agility Drills: Incorporate side-to-side and forward-backward movements.
  3. Gait Training:
    • Work on correcting any abnormal gait patterns and improving foot mechanics.

Maintenance Phase

  1. Continued Strengthening:
    • Maintain a routine of strengthening and stretching exercises.
  2. Regular Monitoring:
    • Periodic check-ins with a physical therapist to ensure proper form and progress.

Step-by-Step Exercises

  1. Towel Scrunches:
    • Sit with feet flat on the ground.
    • Place a towel under your toes.
    • Scrunch the towel towards you with your toes.
    • Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
  2. Toe Curls with Resistance Band:
    • Sit with legs extended.
    • Place a resistance band around your toes.
    • Curl your toes against the resistance.
    • Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
  3. Single-Leg Stance:
    • Stand on one leg for 30 seconds.
    • Progress to standing on an unstable surface.
    • Perform 3 sets on each leg.
  4. Heel Raises:
    • Stand with feet hip-width apart.
    • Raise heels off the ground.
    • Progress to single-leg raises.
    • Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
  5. Eccentric Calf Raises:
    • Stand on the edge of a step.
    • Raise up onto toes and lower heel slowly.
    • Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
  6. Box Jumps:
    • Jump onto and off a box.
    • Focus on soft landings.
    • Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
  7. Agility Drills:
    • Incorporate side-to-side and forward-backward movements.
    • Perform for 5 minutes.

Conclusion

Tibialis posterior tendinopathy is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual’s ability to perform daily activities and engage in sports. A comprehensive physical therapy approach, including thorough assessment and tailored treatment plans, is essential for effective management and recovery. By following the outlined exercises and preventive measures, patients can alleviate pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence, ultimately enhancing their quality of life and physical performance.

References

  1. Alvarez-Nemegyei, J., & Canoso, J. J. (2004). Tendon disorders of the foot and ankle. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 30(3), 733-752.
  2. Chinn, L., & Hertel, J. (2010). Rehabilitation of ankle and foot injuries in athletes. Clinics in Sports Medicine, 29(1), 157-167.
  3. Kulig, K., Reischl, S. F., Pomrantz, A. B., Burnfield, J. M., Mais-Requejo, S., Thordarson, D. B., & Smith, R. W. (2009). Nonsurgical management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with orthoses and resistive exercise: a randomized controlled trial. Physical Therapy, 89(1), 26-37.
  4. Ringleb, S. I., Kavros, S. J., & Kotajarvi, B. R. (2007). Treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction with exercise and orthoses. Foot & Ankle Specialist, 1(1), 27-32.
  5. Saxena, A., & Nguyen, A. (2006). Nonsurgical management of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery, 23(3), 303-319.

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