If you’ve been experiencing pain in the inner side of your ankle, you may be suffering from tibialis posterior tendinopathy. This condition can be quite uncomfortable and affect your daily activities. In this blog post, we will discuss how to recognize the symptoms of tibialis posterior tendinopathy and when to seek help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor.
One of the main symptoms of tibialis posterior tendinopathy is pain and swelling on the inner side of your ankle. This pain may worsen with activity, such as walking or running, and improve with rest, but there is a chance you could feel tibialis posterior tendinopathy pain when resting. You may also notice that your arch has become flattened or collapsed, which can contribute to the development of this condition. Additionally, you may experience difficulty standing on your toes or have trouble walking on uneven surfaces.
Another common symptom of tibialis posterior tendinopathy is a progressive flatfoot deformity. As the tendon becomes inflamed and weakened, it may no longer be able to support the arch of your foot effectively. This can lead to a collapse of the arch and cause your foot to roll inward (pronate) excessively. Over time, this misalignment can put added stress on other structures in your foot and ankle, leading to further pain and dysfunction.
If you suspect that you have tibialis posterior tendinopathy, it is important to seek help from a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can assess your symptoms, perform special tests to confirm the diagnosis, and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Treatment options may include rest, ice therapy, stretching exercises, orthotics, bracing, or physiotherapy.
In severe cases of tibialis posterior tendinopathy where conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended as a last resort. Surgical interventions aim to repair or reconstruct the damaged tendon and restore proper function to the foot and ankle. However, surgery is typically only considered after all other options have been exhausted.
In conclusion, if you are experiencing pain on the inner side of your ankle or notice signs of a collapsed arch, you may have tibialis posterior tendinopathy. It is essential to seek help from a physiotherapist or chiropractor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. By addressing this condition early on with proper care and rehabilitation, you can improve your symptoms and prevent further complications in the future. Don’t ignore persistent foot pain – take action today for better health tomorrow!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Jonathan Tran, BSc, MSc, MPT, PT Resident, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
