When there is abnormal pronation in the rear part of the foot, the
tibialis posterior muscle and tendon can become overworked. With
overuse or injury, the muscle becomes tight and can lead to the tendon
pulling away from the tibia. If left untreated, the tendon can
rupture, resulting in a complete flattening of the foot. It can
appear the person is walking of their anklebone.
Physicians use a scale of 1-4 to document the severity of the disorder. Unfortunately,
once the condition starts, it requires life long management to keep it
from progressing.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
Tibialis posterior tendonitis or insufficiency
Adult acquired flat foot
Blow out ankle
Symptoms:
Begins as front or back leg pain, such as in a shin splint
Foot falls, seemingly at the ankle bone
Acute discomfort in ankle and foot when foot and arch fall
Signs to look for:
Ankle and cuboid bone protrude inward to an extreme
Foot scans will indicate two lower arch feet but differently shaped
feet with different pressures
Foot falls, seemingly at the ankle bone
Possible Causes:
Heredity produces the lower arched foot
Overuse of tibialis posterior muscle, such as in high impact recreational
activities
Injury
Soft soled shoes worn over a period of time in one who overpronates
at the heel
Goals:
Create an arch that will correct motion of the foot during gait
Restore alignment to the ankle, top of the foot and knees
Shoes wear that does not allow lateral motion at the heel
Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support,
such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes
cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support
Shoes:
Extra depth shoes with straight last, extended medial counter, firm
heel counter, connecting shanks, and rocker soles
For exercise, wear shoes with titanium springs
MBT physiological shoe
Avoid pumps and heels
Go barefoot on a minimal basis only
Other:
Medical treatment and supervision, including temporary or permanent
bracing
Activities:
Leg exercising on a circular disc
Program for regular stretching of gastrocnemius and soleus muscles,
Achilles tendon and arch structures
Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with
non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling
This
information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does
not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been
compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced
below. Copyright 2007 Carole Romig
Sources Image: FootCenterof
Manhatten.com, A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics Text: B.
Meanwell, CPed, G. Copeland, DPM, The Foot Book,, D. Janisse,
CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics
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