Tuesday, 02 September 2025 00:00

Why Posterior Tibial Tendon Trouble Changes Your Walk

Posterior tibial tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendon running along the inside of the ankle and foot. This tendon supports the arch, so when it becomes weakened or inflamed, pain and swelling often appear on the inner ankle. Over time, the arch may begin to flatten, leading to instability and difficulty walking long distances. Many people notice aching after standing for long periods of time, or pain that worsens with physical activity. The condition often develops from overuse, poor foot mechanics, or injuries that strain the tendon. Without treatment, it can progress to adult-acquired flatfoot, making daily movement more challenging. Treatment includes rest, supportive footwear, and custom orthotics to reduce strain. Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises are also helpful. If symptoms persist or the tendon becomes severely damaged, surgical options may be considered to restore proper foot function. If you have painful arches, it is suggested that you see a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can have many different causes and the pain may potentially be serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our doctors from Intercoastal Medical Group. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

  • Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
  • Ankle sprains
  • Broken ankles
  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Achilles tendon rupture
  • Stress fractures
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bradenton, and Sarasota, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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