Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition that predominantly affects runners and active individuals. It involves inflammation or tearing of the posterior tibial tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foot. It plays a vital role in supporting the arch and assisting in foot movement. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and potentially lead to flatfoot if left untreated.[1]
Structure
The tibialis posterior muscle originates on the inner posterior border of the fibula laterally.[2] It is also attached to the interosseous membrane medially, which attaches to the tibia and fibula.[2]
The tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle (sometimes called the posterior tibial tendon) descends posterior to the medial malleolus.[2] It terminates by dividing into plantar, main, and recurrent components. The main portion inserts into the tuberosity of the navicular bone.[2] The smaller portion inserts into the plantar surface of the medial cuneiform. The plantar portion inserts into the bases of the second, third and fourth metatarsals, the intermediate and lateral cuneiforms and the cuboid. The recurrent portion inserts into the sustentaculum tali of the calcaneus.
The tibialis posterior muscle is supplied by the tibial nerve.
Function
The tibialis posterior muscle is a key muscle for stabilization of the lower leg. It also contracts to produce inversion of the foot, and assists in the plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle.[3] The tibialis posterior has a major role in supporting the medial arch of the foot. Dysfunction of the tibialis posterior, including rupture of the tibialis posterior tendon, can lead to flat feet in adults, as well as a valgus deformity due to unopposed eversion when inversion is lost.[4][5]
Injury to the distal tendon of the tibialis posterior muscle is rare.[3] It may be caused during exercise.[3] It usually presents with pain on the medial side of the ankle.[3] Injuries including dislocations and tears often require surgery.[6]
^Durrant, B., Chockalingam, N. and Hashmi, F., 2011. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a review. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 101(2), pp.176-186.https://doi.org/10.7547/1010176
^ Bowring, B. and Chockalingam, N., 2010. Conservative treatment of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction—A review. The Foot, 20(1), pp.18-26.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2009.11.001
^Lohrer, H.; Nauck, T. (1 May 2010). "Posterior tibial tendon dislocation: a systematic review of the literature and presentation of a case". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 44 (6): 398–406. doi:10.1136/bjsm.2007.040204. PMID18199628. S2CID24338413.