What is inflammation of the tibialis posterior tendon?
Tendinitis of the tibialis posterior tendon is an inflammation of a connective tissue area of the muscle in the posterior tibial muscle that connects the muscle to the bone. Tendovaginitis is an inflammation of the tendon’s sheath that surrounds the tendon, which is also inflamed. The tibialis posterior muscle is part of the deep muscles of the lower leg and plays an important role in the extension in the ankle joint, the supination of the lower ankle joint and in the development of the longitudinal and transverse arch of the foot. or Musculus tibialis posterior
Associated symptoms
signs of tendonitis are: The first signs of tendonitis are usually pain and pulling in the muscle and in the course of the tendon. The pain often worsens under stress. The pain usually manifests itself as severe pressure pain in the area of the inflammation.
In the later course of the disease, it can also lead to a reduction in the strength of the foot and ultimately to a change in the foot position in the form of a flat foot. Chronic inflammation can lead to a rupture of the tendon, which results in an acute loss of the tibialis posterior muscle with a sudden flattening of the foot. Further symptoms depend on the underlying disease. In the case of an infection or as part of an immunological disease, fever, redness and swelling in the area of the tendon are common.
- Pain and a pulling in the muscle and in the course of the tendon
- Force reduction
- Flatfoot
- Loss of tibialis posterior muscle
Treatment
The most important treatment is to stop the triggering stress and let it rest for some time. In case of acute pain, the area can be cooled with an ice pack. The stress should not be restarted if there are still complaints.
If the pain persists for a longer period of time, taking painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac may be helpful. If the pain is severe, a cortisone injection into the area of the tendon can also be administered by the doctor. Physiotherapy can also help to accelerate the healing process.
Exercise treatments and alternative training plans can be worked out with the therapist. Shoe insoles (orthoses) and bandages can be helpful, especially to reduce incorrect strain. In addition, shock wave therapy or the use of kinesiotape can lead to an improvement. If all these measures do not lead to an improvement within a few weeks, a stiffening of the ankle joint with the help of a plaster cast or splints may be appropriate to achieve a complete relief of the tendon. If the tendon is torn, surgical therapy is usually necessary.
