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Post-Tib Tendonitis: Orthopedic Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 3 min read

A tendon is a soft tissue structure that connects the muscles to the bones. The posterior tibial tendon is found on the inner side of the foot near the ankle and it connects the calf muscle to the ankle. It is a an important tendon in the leg as it supports the foot while walking and hold up the foot arch. Stress caused to this particular tendon is known as the Post-Tib Tendonitis. Stress may be in the form of inflammation or tearing of this tendon. It may result in loss of foot stability and collapse of the foot arch.

Causes

  • Presence of over-pronation feet causes damage to the posterior tibial tendon
  • Overuse of the muscles in the feet leads to damage of the tendon resulting in this condition
  • A fall on the foot that may cause severe injury
  • Playing high impact sports such as basketball, tennis may tear or stretch the tendon

Symptoms

  • Development of over pronated feet as the tendon cannot support the foot arch
  • Pain
  • Growth or heel spurs
  • Pain is aggravated while walking, running, weight bearing
  • Pain and swelling may occur periodically in the initial stages but becomes permanent as the condition aggravates
  • The heel bone may shift to a new position as the foot arch collapses and cause change in shape of the foot
  • The foot is visibly deformed with a tilted heel and inward bent foot
  • If the foot of the patient is observed from behind in a standing position, many toes are visible which indicates over pronation
  • The calf muscles may be tight

Diagnosis

  • The details of the patient’s medical history, symptoms and mode of injury may be taken into account
  • The foot may be moved, palpated and observed for visible signs of the condition, loss of flexibility and other symptoms
  • Single limb heel test – The patient may be asked to stand on one leg and raise the heel. Inability to do so indicates tendonitis
  • Range of motion of the foot
  • X-ray imaging may be required
  • MRI, CT scan and ultrasound tests may be needed

Treatment

  • Rest your feet adequately and avoid weight bearing as well as any physical activity that causes pain for a few days
  • Shoe inserts and orthotic devices can be used to provide better protection, shock absorption and reduce the stress on the post tibial tendon or the plantar fascia
  • The exercise should be varied so that the same part and muscles of the foot is not strained every time
  • Ice packs can be applied 4-5 times a day to reduce swelling
  • Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicines may be prescribed
  • The leg may be immobilized in a cast or a boot for 6-8 weeks
  • An ankle brace to correct the flat foot deformity
  • Steroids may be injected into the affected joint
  • Physical therapy may be helpful
  • Surgical lengthening of the calf muscles
  • Surgical removal of the damaged tendon
  • Surgical repair of the torn tendon
  • Arthrodesis or surgical fusion of the joints may be done to treat Flat Foot and Arthritis

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

Add references, clinical guidelines, textbooks, journal articles, or trusted medical sources here. You can edit this area later with a custom field named _rx_references.

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.