Posterior tibialis tendinopathy
Posterior tibialis tendinopathy is a common cause of pain and weakness along the inside of the ankle and foot. It can affect walking, running and your ability to support your arch.
At Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North we treat posterior tibialis tendinopathy with high-power laser therapy to reduce pain and stimulate healing, followed by progressive strengthening to rebuild the tendon and improve foot function. We also assess your lower limb biomechanics to identify why the tendon has become overloaded. Book a posterior tibialis assessment today.
What is a plantar plate tear?
Posterior tibialis tendinopathy occurs when the posterior tibialis tendon becomes irritated or overloaded.
The posterior tibialis tendon runs down the inside of the lower leg and attaches to several bones in the foot. It plays an important role in supporting the arch and stabilising the foot when you walk and run.
It can develop from:
- Repetitive walking or running
- A sudden increase in activity
- Poor foot mechanics
- Weakness in the foot and lower limb
- Unsuitable footwear
- Repeated stress on the tendon
How it can feel:
- Pain along the inside of the ankle
- Pain or tenderness along the arch
- Swelling around the inside of the ankle
- Weakness when pushing off
- Difficulty standing on one leg or rising onto your toes
If the tendon continues to weaken it can affect the way the arch is supported and change how the foot functions.
Signs, symptoms & when to see a podiatrist
Common signs:
- Pain behind or below the inside ankle bone
- Tenderness along the arch
- Swelling along the inside of the ankle
- Pain during walking or running
- Weakness when standing on your toes
- The arch appearing flatter than usual
See a podiatrist if:
- The pain has lasted more than a few days
- Walking or running is becoming uncomfortable
- You notice changes in the shape of your foot
- You have difficulty standing on your toes
- The pain keeps returning
- Your ankle or arch feels increasingly weak
Early treatment can help prevent the tendon from becoming progressively weaker.
How we treat posterior tibialis tendinopathy at Aligna
We treat posterior tibialis tendinopathy in two stages, settling the pain first and then rebuilding the tendon.
Step 1: Reduce pain and stimulate healing
We use high-power laser therapy to help reduce pain and stimulate healing in the tendon. We also identify activities that are placing excessive stress on the tendon and modify them where needed.
Step 2: Rebuild the tendon
The tendon needs progressive loading to regain its strength. We guide you through targeted exercises that strengthen the posterior tibialis tendon, foot muscles, calf and lower limb.
We also find the cause
Foot biomechanics can play an important role in posterior tibialis tendon overload. We assess how your foot and lower limb function and may recommend custom orthotics to provide additional support where needed.
Our goal is to settle the pain, strengthen the tendon and improve the way your foot functions.
Recovery & rehab
How long does it take?
Mild cases can improve within several weeks while moderate or long-standing cases may take three months or more.
Why the right approach matters
Rest alone will not rebuild a weakened tendon. Progressive strengthening is important for restoring the tendon’s ability to support the foot during everyday activities and sport.
How we help you stay pain-free:
- Progressive tendon strengthening
- Foot and arch strengthening
- Calf strengthening
- Biomechanical assessment
- Orthotics if needed
- Footwear advice
- Gradual return to activity
With the right treatment most people can return to comfortable walking, running and sport.
Summary
Our goal is simple: to settle your inner ankle and foot pain while rebuilding the tendon that supports your arch.
At Aligna Podiatry we don’t just treat the painful area. We assess how your feet and lower limbs are functioning and create a treatment plan to address the factors that may have caused the tendon to become overloaded.
Whether your symptoms are new or have been gradually getting worse we are here to help you restore strength and keep your feet functioning well.
Book your appointment in Balwyn North
Struggling with chronic heel pain, tendon pain or another stubborn injury?
Our experienced team at Aligna Podiatry in Balwyn North takes a holistic, whole-body approach to treating the foot, ankle and knee. We combine high-power laser therapy, shockwave with hands-on care, cupping and rehab to reduce pain and restore alignment and movement. Contact our Balwyn North clinic today to book an assessment and find out which treatment is right for you.