Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?

[disneychick0412]

I’ve had arch pain and also pain on the inside of my ankle for several months now. The podiatrist had me get custom orthotics made (I’ve always been flat footed and probably needed them sooner). I’ve also iced and taken Aleve. The pain is the same so he gave me a 6 day course of steroids. I just finished that today and I would say the pain is maybe 40% better. If the steroids didn’t resolve the pain he said I would have an MRI next so I’m sure that’s what we will do. Anyone have any experience with this diagnosis? I don’t want to have surgery! I’m praying that’s not what has to happen! Thanks for anyone who has any input!!!

 

[usnuzuloose]

I’ve had arch pain and also pain on the inside of my ankle for several months now. The podiatrist had me get custom orthotics made (I’ve always been flat footed and probably needed them sooner). I’ve also iced and taken Aleve. The pain is the same so he gave me a 6 day course of steroids. I just finished that today and I would say the pain is maybe 40% better. If the steroids didn’t resolve the pain he said I would have an MRI next so I’m sure that’s what we will do. Anyone have any experience with this diagnosis? I don’t want to have surgery! I’m praying that’s not what has to happen! Thanks for anyone who has any input!!!

This maybe a stupid question, because I have this issue. but when my sciatica acts up the pain goes all the way down to my arch. Do you have sciatica issues?

 

[disneychick0412]

This maybe a stupid question, because I have this issue. but when my sciatica acts up the pain goes all the way down to my arch. Do you have sciatica issues?

No, I don’t have any sciatica issues. This is on the inside of my ankle but mainly the arch.

 

[usnuzuloose]

No, I don’t have any sciatica issues. This is on the inside of my ankle but mainly the arch.

Well I guess they need an MRI. It may come from your ankle. Try some icy hot on you arch ,, I put it on mine and it calms it down some. I will sure keep you in prayer.

 

[lilaurora]

I’ve had arch pain and also pain on the inside of my ankle for several months now. The podiatrist had me get custom orthotics made (I’ve always been flat footed and probably needed them sooner). I’ve also iced and taken Aleve. The pain is the same so he gave me a 6 day course of steroids. I just finished that today and I would say the pain is maybe 40% better. If the steroids didn’t resolve the pain he said I would have an MRI next so I’m sure that’s what we will do. Anyone have any experience with this diagnosis? I don’t want to have surgery! I’m praying that’s not what has to happen! Thanks for anyone who has any input!!!

I was diagnosed with this a few years ago. My doc put me in a walking boot immediately and then I had an ultrasound to make sure that I didn’t have a tear, etc that would require surgery. I was in that boot for 8 weeks and the doc made me custom orthotics as well. The resting of that tendon really helped more than the relief I got with ibuprofen and ice. After the boot, I really never went barefoot. I always had shoes with the orthotics or a pair of Birkenstock’s on. (Doc gave a list of recommended sandals.). I very rarely go barefoot any more but so long as I don’t go more than 1-2 days without my orthotics, I don’t experience pain anymore.

 

[DLgal]

Have you tried going to physical therapy? I have anterior tibial tendonitis/nerve irritation that flares up from time to time. PT is the only thing that helps. The combination of massage/trigger point therapy, stretches, and exercises work wonders. Also, never walk barefoot. I wear Fit Flops or Crocs inside the house at all times.

I'm surprised you haven't been sent to PT. I never even saw a podiatrist for my issues, just my PCM and she sent me straight to PT.

 

[DLgal]

No, I don’t have any sciatica issues. This is on the inside of my ankle but mainly the arch.

You could have nerve entrapment. The pain you are feeling might be referred pain from trigger points in the muscles of your lower leg. Feel around on the side of your leg starting just below the kneecap. Press inwards and move methodically down the side of your leg. See if you have any tender spots that hurt to the touch or feel like hard lumps. You would be surprised how pain in one location can come completely from another area of your body.

 

[Christine]

@disneychick0412, Yes, I have/had it. It started in 2009 and I managed to get it calmed down. Reared it's ugly head in 2018 and I could not get it under control. If you are flat-footed (and I am) you will constantly stress this tendon. Your arch will collapse more.

I swore I would never have surgery. But then I could see this progressing and figured out that probably by the time I was 65 (I'm 57 now) I'd be using an ECV every day or, worse, I'd fall. My ankle was weakening and was starting to lose stability. On top of that. the longer things are bad, the more damage you do in your foot/ankle.

So I found an expert surgeon and I had the surgery on my left foot on March 4th. I'm still recovering!

 

[luv2cheer92]

See a PT, they can do wonders.

 

[minniebeth]

Yes, and along with achilles and plantar fascitis issues. PT for sure, along with a boot for 12 weeks. It was tough to recover from but I've had no issues since~
Also, what others have said, no barefoot walking, I always have support shoes of some sort on. Inside I have dedicated house only Birks. I used to wear Oofos, Dr. said no Oofos. (Boo, I loved them!) But I love my Birks as well!
@disneychick0412, I hope you can get a plan of action and start feeling much better soon!

 

[Elle23]

I have chronic posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (due to flat feet). I agree with that others have said about wearing the walking boot.

I had a particularly bad flare up a few years ago and having my foot immobilized in a walking boot for 8 weeks cleared it up.

I’m usually ok wearing flip flops around the house, but if I am going to be doing any significant walking (Disney...) I have to have very good supportive shoes or I start having problems again.

 

[disneychick0412]

Got my MRI done and got the results! No tears, which is what I’ve been scared of! Mild tendonitis. It doesn’t feel mild, but it’s not anything surgical so I’m thrilled! I have an appointment with the doctor Friday to see what he recommends for treatment.

 

[Elle23]

Got my MRI done and got the results! No tears, which is what I’ve been scared of! Mild tendonitis. It doesn’t feel mild, but it’s not anything surgical so I’m thrilled! I have an appointment with the doctor Friday to see what he recommends for treatment.

Great news!

 

[RamblingMad]

I'd try physical therapy before getting surgery.

 

[Christine]

Got my MRI done and got the results! No tears, which is what I’ve been scared of! Mild tendonitis. It doesn’t feel mild, but it’s not anything surgical so I’m thrilled! I have an appointment with the doctor Friday to see what he recommends for treatment.

Please treat this mild tendonitis aggressively. PTTD is incredibly slow to heal because of lack of bloodflow to the area. It's especially hard to heal when the offending action (being flat footed) is still there. Get ahead of it!