Tibialis posterior tendon injury
Classically, tibialis posterior tendon injury (a type of ankle injury) occurs in unfit middle-aged women, developing suddenly after twisting the ankle. Tibialis posterior tendon injury can also be an overuse injury.
If you have this type of injury, there may be pain and swelling of the inside of your ankle and the inside aspect of your foot. This pain is made worse with weight-bearing and stretching the foot outwards.
After tibialis posterior tendon injury
Following a tibialis posterior tendon injury, some people appear to lose the inside arch of their foot, developing a ‘flat foot’, particularly if the tendon has been completely ruptured. Often, the injured person is unable to stand on the toes on the affected side.When the injury happens suddenly, the tendon can occasionally be pulled off the bone, sometimes taking a small piece of bone with it. This is known as an avulsion fracture.
To assess this type of injury, your doctor will most likely order an X-ray or ultrasound. Sometimes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required.
Tibialis posterior tendon injury treatment
In the early stages, tibialis posterior tendon injury is best treated with the PRICE regimen:- protection through using crutches as required;
- rest;
- ice;
- compression; and
- elevation.
Pain relief is also usually required. Occasionally, arch support with orthoses, or bracing your ankle with a fixed foot brace, can be helpful.
It is not advisable to weight-bear in the early stages of recovery because, in some cases in which the tendon is only partially torn or damaged, weight-bearing can precipitate complete rupture.
If the tendon has only partially torn and you don't place high demands on your ankle (through sport, for instance), your doctor may suggest treatment with physiotherapy rehabilitation. However, sportspeople, people whose symptoms do not respond to more conservative treatment, and those whose injury involves complete tendon rupture and/or an avulsion fracture may require surgery.
The healing process
If the tibialis posterior tendon injury is only minor, it may be only 2 to 6 weeks until you can return to sport or work. However, in more severe cases, it may take months to recover.Last Reviewed: 04 June 2008
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