Footnotes / Blog
What is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a common foot and ankle issue that occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed or torn. This tendon is responsible for providing stability and support to the arch of the foot, and when it is damaged, it can lead to flatfoot.
The posterior tibial tendon originates from a muscle in the lower leg, travels behind the inside of the ankle, and inserts onto the bottom of the foot arch.
Symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Common signs of PTTD include:
- Pain around the inside of the foot and ankle.
- Swelling, warmth, and/or redness along the inside of the foot and ankle.
- Pain that worsens with activity.
- Flattening of the foot and loss of arch support.
- Inward rolling of the ankle.
- Turning out of the toes and foot.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, including:
- High-impact sports like running or jumping.
- Obesity or being overweight.
- Diabetes, which can affect tendon health.
- Female gender, as women are at higher risk.
- Non-supportive footwear that doesn’t provide adequate arch support.
- Enlarged navicular bone, which can put additional stress on the tendon.
Treatment for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
In many cases, conservative treatments are effective, and surgery is not required. Common non-surgical treatments include:
- Orthotics: Custom-made shoe inserts to support the arch.
- Braces: To stabilize the foot and ankle and reduce strain on the tendon.
If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options vary depending on the severity of the damage and may include:
- Removing inflamed tissue.
- Repairing a simple tear.
- In more complex cases, reconstructive surgery may be required, which can result in some limitation in activity post-surgery.
Seeking Treatment
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, Innovative Foot & Ankle offers expert care for conditions like posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Our highly trained podiatrists are experienced in both conservative and surgical treatments for lower extremity disorders. Visit one of our Northern New Jersey locations in Kenilworth, Bayonne, Little Ferry, and Montclair.