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Posterior Tibialis Tendinopathy Treatment Overview

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Care Plan

1

First steps to consider

  • If symptoms are mild, you can treat it at home.
  • Rest and elevate your foot and avoid physical activity. Using ice and taking ibuprofen (Advil) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Using an arch support or heel wedge in your shoe may also help.
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2

When you may need a provider

  • Your symptoms have not improved in 2–3 weeks.
  • If you can’t walk on the foot, and you have severe pain around the inner ankle and foot bone, get same-day care with your provider, urgent care, or the emergency department.
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All treatments for posterior tibialis tendinopathy
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When to see a healthcare provider

If your pain is not going away in 2–3 weeks, see a healthcare provider. If you can’t walk on the affected foot and have severe pain around the inner ankle and foot bone, try to see a healthcare provider immediately or go to an urgent care clinic or the ER.

Getting diagnosed

  • Your primary care provider or an orthopedist will diagnose you based on your symptoms, the appearance of your ankle and foot, and movement tests that evaluate the ankle’s strength and range of motion, like a heel rise test.
  • Your provider may order an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Additional types of imaging tests, like X-rays, may also be used to check for conditions with similar symptoms, like arthritis.

What to expect from your visit

  • For mild posterior tibialis tendinopathy, your provider will likely recommend non-surgical treatments. These include rest, ice, and OTC pain relievers.
  • Physical therapy can also help strengthen the tendon.
  • Your provider may fit you for a walking boot or cast or have an orthotic brace molded to your foot to help keep the ankle stable.
  • For serious posterior tibialis tendinopathy, or if it hasn’t improved after 6 months, surgery may be required to replace the torn tendon.

Types of providers

  • A primary care provider or orthopedist can diagnose and treat mild to moderate symptoms.
  • A physical therapist can teach you exercises that strengthen the tendon.
  • You may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in the foot and ankle if you are considering surgery.
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