Just another iHealthSpot WP02 site

Our office will be closed in observance of the Fourth of July on Friday, July 4th, and Saturday, July 5th.
We appreciate your understanding and wish you a safe and happy holiday!

search Online Bill Pay Patient Forms Physician Referral Request an Appointment
(317) 497-6497
Online Bill Pay Patient Forms Physician Referral Request an Appointment
MENUMENU
  • Home
  • Meet the Providers
  • Specialties
    • General Orthopedics
    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Sports Medicine
    • Joint Replacement
    • Trauma & Fractures
    • Back, Neck, and Spine
    • Workers Compensation
  • On-Site Services
  • Contact Us
  • Watch Video
  • Read Article

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Acquired Flatfoot

Back to Patient Education

Click on the white PLAY button to start video.

 

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as acquired flatfoot, results when the tendon at the back of the ankle is inflamed or torn.  It is a progressive condition that can eventually lead to a fallen arch or flatfoot.  Advanced cases, or those that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, may require surgery.  There are various surgical procedures for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and it is common to need more than one.

Read more about Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Acquired Flatfoot

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention
  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Surgery
  • Recovery
  • Prevention

Introduction

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, also known as acquired flatfoot, results when the tendon at the back of the ankle is inflamed or torn.  It is a progressive condition that can eventually lead to a fallen arch or flatfoot.  Advanced cases, or those that do not respond to non-surgical treatments, may require surgery.  There are various surgical procedures for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, and it is common to need more than one.
Back to top

Anatomy

The posterior tibial tendon connects at the calf, travels around the inside of the ankle joint, and attaches to the bones in the midfoot.  It maintains the arch in your foot and provides stability when you walk.
Back to top

Causes

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction results when the tendon becomes inflamed or torn.  Sports injury and overuse can contribute to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.  Certain medical conditions, such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis increase the risk of the condition.  Problems with this tendon are more common in women.
Back to top

Symptoms

Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction most frequently develops in one foot, but it can affect both feet.  Symptoms are usually progressive, meaning they get worse over time.  You may first notice pain, redness, and swelling along the inside of your ankle and foot.  As the arch in your foot flattens, you may experience pain in your outer and midfoot, weakness, and the inability to stand on your toes.

Back to top

Diagnosis

You should see your doctor if you suspect that you have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.  Early diagnosis and treatment can help stop the progression of the condition.  Your doctor can diagnose posterior tibial tendon dysfunction by reviewing your medical history, examining you, and conducting some tests. 

Your doctor will ask you to stand or move your foot in certain ways so that it can determined how your tendon is functioning.  X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic imaging resonance (MRI) imaging may be used to provide pictures of your ankle and leg structures.
Back to top

Treatment

In some cases, early non-surgical treatment can help prevent the need for surgical treatment in the future.  In the early stages, pain and swelling are treated with rest and aspirin or ibuprofen.  A short leg cast or boot may be worn while the tendon heals.  Physical therapy usually follows casting to help the ankle joint gain range of motion and strength.  You may be issued an ankle stirrup, custom orthotic device, or custom shoe insert to help support your foot. 
Back to top

Surgery

Surgery may be recommended when non-surgical treatments fail to provide symptom relief, or for advanced cases of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.  There are several types of surgery, and you may need more than one type of procedure.  Surgery is used to removed inflamed tissue, improve the position of the heel bone, transfer another tendon for reconstruction, or fuse bones together to prevent movement and add stability. 
Back to top

Recovery

Following surgery, you may need to wear a protective splint, cast, or boot.  Physical rehabilitation exercises can help you regain strength and stability.  You may need to use a cane or crutches at first. 

Recovery is individualized.  The amount of time you need to heal depends on the extent of your condition and the procedures that you received.  Your doctor will let you know what to expect.
Back to top

Prevention

In some cases, early diagnosis and treatment can stop the progression of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction.  You should wear the arch supports, custom orthotic inserts, or orthotic shoes  recommended by your doctor.
Back to top

Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

Footer

Home
Meet the Physicians
Meet the Providers
On-Site Services
Contact Us
Accessibility Statement
Privacy Policy
Sitemap

Specialties
General Orthopedics
Pediatric Orthopedics
Sports Medicine
Joint Replacement
Trauma & Fractures
Back, Neck, & Spine
Workers' Compensation

Request an Appointment Patient Forms Physician Referral Online Bill Pay

Indianapolis Office
1550 East County Line Road, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46227
Phone: (317) 497-6497

Emerson Office
965 Emerson Parkway, Suite K
Greenwood, IN 46143
Phone: (317) 893-1000

Copyright © Greenwood Orthopaedics. All Rights Reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

The orthopedic doctors and other specialists at Greenwood Orthopaedics have received advanced training beyond general orthopedics to offer you treatment for a full range of orthopedic conditions, including: Pediatric orthopedics, Sports medicine, Knee and shoulder joint replacement, Trauma and fracture care, Work-related injuries, Arthroscopic surgery

  • Home
  • Meet the Providers
  • Specialties
    • General Orthopedics
    • Pediatric Orthopedics
    • Sports Medicine
    • Joint Replacement
    • Trauma & Fractures
    • Back, Neck, and Spine
    • Workers Compensation
    • Back
  • On-Site Services
  • Contact Us