Tibialis Posterior Syndrome

What is tibialis posterior syndrome?
The tibialis posterior muscle comes from behind the shin bone (tibia) and runs into a tendon that passes behind the bony bit on the inside of the ankle (medial malleolus). Inflammaion can occur around the medial malleolus and further down under the foot where the tendon attaches. If you over pronate you are more likely to suffer from this injury.

Athletes that are involved in sports where the foot rolls in a lot such as speed skating or running on tight bends are also more prone to this injury.

Symptoms of tibialis posterior syndrome:
-Pain over the attachment of the tendon to the navicular bone in the foot.
-Pain when the tendon slides in the sheath during exercise.
-Swelling around the medial malleolus (bony bit on the inside of the ankle).

Treatment of tibialis posterior syndrome:
What can the athlete do?
-Rest the foot for a couple of weeks.
-Apply cold therapy for the first 3 days.
-After this apply heat and use a heat retainer or support.
-See a sports injury specialist or podiatrist for advice on rehabilitation and orthotic devices if necessary.

What can a podiatrist or sports injury specialist do?
-Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen.
-Apply a plaster cast for 3 weeks if it is bad enough.
-Give a steroid injection into the tendon sheath but never into the tendon. Then rest.
-Operate - especially if the tendon is completely ruptured as it is a very important tendon for supporting the arch of the foot.