Tendons in the body attach muscles to bones, stretching across joints to allow you to bend them. One of the most important tendons that support your feet is the posterior tibial. If this tendon becomes torn, you must allow it to heal on its own or seek surgery to repair it. Exercise will worsen this condition and is not recommended, according to MayoClinic.com.
Posterior Tibial
The posterior tibial tendon runs from your calf down to the back of the inside of your ankle, attaching to the navicular bone located in the middle of your foot. Damage to this fibrous cord is the most common source of foot problems, according to the MayoClinic.com. A torn posterior tibial causes inflammation, foot pain, swelling and the loss of your arch, because this tendon supports the arch of the foot. Playing some sports, including tennis, basketball or hockey, can cause a tear in the posterior tibial tendon. This condition worsens when you continually exercise and put excessive force on the foot, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Diagnosis
If you experience weakness in your foot and are unable to stand on your toes, you might have a torn posterior tibial. When the posterior tibial is torn, it does not properly hold up the navicular bone, leading to a decreased arch and a flat foot. Your doctor will examine your bare foot for signs of a torn posterior tibial and order an MRI to visually inspect the tendon itself. Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, hypertension, obesity and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to the degeneration of the posterior tibial, making it likely to tear through injury or excessive exercise, according to The Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine.
Treatment
Once you are diagnosed with a torn posterior tibial, you must avoid putting weight on the foot. Depending on the severity of the damage to the posterior tibial, you doctor will either recommend immobilizing the leg or surgery. The physician may recommend a below-knee cast or boot on the foot for six to 12 weeks with crutches to allow the tendon to heal. In severe cases, the cast is followed by a custom-made ankle brace, which you wear for one year, according to the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center. You will have to restrict your exercise, and the doctor might prescribe physical therapy to assist in your recovery.
Exercise
During treatment, you can perform light exercise while seated that does not put pressure on your foot, especially while it is in a cast. To prevent worsening the condition after the tendon heals, avoid repetitious weight-bearing exercise. Wear a custom-made ankle-foot orthosis or arch supports while exercising to prevent aggravating the posterior tibial tendon, recommends the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Lose weight to reduce the strain on the tendon. Perform nonimpact exercises, such as stationary cycling, swimming and running in the pool, instead of exercises that put a load on your foot, recommends the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center. Check with your physician about any exercises you plan to do to ensure that they will not worsen your condition.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
- Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center: Posterior Tibial Tendon Problems
- The Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine: Posterior Tibial Tendon Injuries
- MayoClinic.com: Gliding Resistance of the Posterior Tibial Tendon During Passive Motion in an Intact and Simulated Flatfoot
- MayoClinic.com: Treatment Options for Torn Tendon
