Introduction – What is the Tibialis posterior syndrome?
The tibialis posterior syndrome is derived from the tibialis posterior muscle of the same name. This is located directly behind the shin bone (tibia). Its tendon runs along the posterior edge at the inner ankle of the foot.
In a healthy state, the muscle ensures that the heel is straight when walking, running and standing. This prevents the heel from buckling inwards (overpronation/pronation). Due to various causes, muscle and tendon can be damaged, which is called tibialis posterior syndrome.
The longitudinal arch of the foot sinks and the acquired flat foot is formed. Women suffer more frequently from the tibialis posterior syndrome than men, although the exact cause is not known. It is assumed that the hormonal changes in women have an influence on the stability of muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Causes of tibialis posterior syndrome
The causes are manifold. In addition to rheumatic diseases, traumatic sports injuries and accidents involving the posterior tibialis muscle and its tendon are the main causes. At the same time, constant, chronic misuse and overloading of the foot leads to an aggravation of the symptoms.
Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, overweight, high blood pressure or prolonged cortisone use have a higher risk of developing the disease. Also untreated foot malpositions such as a pigeon-toed foot in children and adolescents can lead to a tibialis posterior syndrome in later adults. When jogging, approximately twice the body weight affects muscles, tendons and ligaments.
If an athlete has an untreated foot malposition (e.g. a flat foot) or a muscular imbalance, excessive jogging can lead to tibialis posterior syndrome. Therefore, when jogging, care should be taken to choose the right running shoes. At the same time, special insoles must be worn if necessary to avoid overloading or incorrect loading of the locomotor system (muscles, tendons and bones).
These are the symptoms of a tibialis posterior syndrome
The symptoms may vary individually. In most cases, pain occurs on the inner side of the inner ankle, independent of the load, whereby the pain can also radiate to the outer ankle and the entire lower leg. In addition, there is swelling and warming in the course of the tendon of the M. tibialis posterior at the inner ankle. Many patients also describe muscle weakness and fatigue of the affected foot.
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