Posterior Tibial Tendon Condition Summary

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Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the most common cause of adult-ac- Posterior Tibial Tendon quired at foot. (1) Symptoms begin with pain and may progress to degeneration and deformity if left untreated. (1,3) Early recognition and management can lead Dysfunction to signicantly improved outcomes. (1)

Evaluation The deep compartment of the leg consists of three muscles: the posterior tibialis (PT), exor digitorum longus (FDL), and exor hallucis longus (FHL). The posterior • Foot & Ankle ROM tibialis is the deepest and largest muscle of the trio – typically comprising almost • Foot Hyperpronation Cluster 60% of the cross sectional area of the entire deep compartment. (4-7) The posteri- • Single Limb Heel Rise or tibialis originates on the interosseous membrane and the posterior surfaces of the tibia and bula. (4) The muscle’s tendon begins several centimeters above the ankle then courses through the deep posterior compartment of the leg behind the Management Soft Tissue medial malleolus before turning toward its main attachment on the navicular • IASTM/ TFM- Posterior Tibialis Tendon tuberosity. (4) Ancillary attachments include the second and third cuneiform, • STM- Posterior Tibialis cuboid, bases of the second, third, & fourth metatarsals, and sustentaculum tali of the calcaneous. (4,8-10)

Misc Actions of the posterior tibialis muscle include inversion and plantar exion of the • Arch Support/ Orthotic foot. Because of its size and moment arm, the posterior tibialis is the primary elevator and dynamic stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. Phase I exercises (5,11-15) During the normal gait cycle, the posterior tibialis lifts the medial longitudinal arch, thereby interlocking the tarsals (calcaneous, cuboid, talus, and navicu- • Posterior Tibialis Stretch- Standing lar) into a rigid lever for propulsion. (12,17) The role of the posterior tibialis is most • Eccentric Posterior Tibialis signicant during push o. (18,19) • Resisted Posterior Tibialis Strengthening • Single Leg Stance Early literature suggested that up to 50% of PTTD cases arose from trauma. (20,21) More recent literature suggests that the majority of cases begin from repeated micro trauma. (22) Repetitive stressors initiate a cascade of dysfunction that begins Phase II exercises with “normal” in ammation but regresses to “failed healing”, brosis, and tendon • Vele's degeneration. Degeneration aects the gliding resistance of the tendon and progressively diminishes the tendon’s ability to support the foot. (22) As the tendon becomes less eective, the longitudinal arch of the foot is allowed to Clinical Pearls collapse; thereby, increasing strain on the posterior tibialis. (22,25,26) The most • Demand on the posterior tibialis is most common site for injury is a zone of relative hypovasulcarity directly posterior to the signicant during push o. medial malleolus. (22,27,28) • The most common site for injury is a zone The continuum of PTTD progresses through the following stages: (29) of relative hypovasulcarity directly posterior I Tenosynovitis without deformity to the medial malleolus. IIA Flat foot deformity • Tenderness and swelling is commonly IIB Flat foot deformity with excessive forefoot abduction located posterior and inferior to the medial III Rigid forefoot abduction and hindfoot valgus IV Deltoid ligament compromise malleolus. • Stage I & II disease are amenable to conser- Like most cumulative trauma disorders, the etiology of posterior tibial tendon vative correction, but once the hindfoot dysfunction is multi factoral. Problems typically arise when repetitive strain deformity has become "rigid" (Stage III) exceeds the tendon’s threshold for injury. Extrinsic factors that contribute to the development of posterior tibial tendinopathy include training errors- particularly management transitions to palliative care. those related to intensity, duration, and/or training on excessively hard surfaces. Stage IV disease may benet from orthope- (30) In addition to the obvious contribution from hyperpronation, other intrinsic dic or podiatric referral. factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTTD include a history of obesity, • Orthotics may help patients in the early diabetes, hypertension, seronegative arthropathy, steroid injection, surgery, or trauma. (1,31-33) A recent prescription of uoroquinolones may increase the risk of stages, but may be less benecial once the tendon rupture. (35) foot has lost stability or has developed a rigid deformity. The stereotypical PTTD patient is an obese, middle-aged female. (1) Some • PTTD patients who do not respond to four researchers estimate that PTTD may be present in up to 10% of this population. (37) PTTD is typically unilateral- bilateral disease is rare. (1) Common presenting weeks of conservative care may benet complaints of an irritated (but intact) posterior tibial tendon include insidious from a walking cast or cam boot to immobi- onset unilateral pain and swelling along the course of the tendon – most notably lize the foot. behind the medial malleolus. (38-41) Symptoms often begin following an increase in training intensity or duration. (42) Symptoms may be exacerbated by weight bearing activity, particularly, standing tiptoe and walking stairs or on uneven

surfaces. (39,43) Loss of arch height and other associated biomechanical deformities may become evident as the condition progresses however, tendon degeneration begins long before physical deformity. (44) Patients who have altered gait may demonstrate abnormal shoe wear. (39) As the condition nears end-stage, patients may describe the feeling that they are walking on the inside of their ankle, and pain may transfer to the lateral ankle due to incursion of the distal bula and calcaneous. (46)

Clinical evaluation will typically demonstrate tenderness and swelling posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus. (38,43,47-49) A signicantly fallen arch with minimal pain and swelling over the posterior tibial tendon could indicate rupture. (50) Patients with PTTD demonstrate hind foot eversion proportionate to the degree of posterior tibialis weakness (48) Isometric strength testing may reproduce pain or weakness during resisted inversion (supination), and/or plantar exion (43,49,50) Motion assessment may demonstrate a rigid hindfoot valgus deformity in later stages. (47) Clinicians should assess for pain and/or weakness of toe exion to help dierentiate tendinopathies involving the adjacent exor digitorum longus and exor hallucis longus.

Clinical evaluation should seek to classify the stage of the disease – collapse of the medial longitudinal arch corresponds to Stage IIA, while excessive forefoot abduction, (“too many toes” sign) signies progression to Stage IIB. Hindfoot valgus that has progressed from exible to rigid signies Stage III. Tenderness below the lateral malleolus from bony incursion is a sign of Stage IV disease.

The single limb heel rise is a sensitive test to detect PTTD. (47,48) The test is performed by allowing the single leg standing patient to balance with one hand on the wall while attempting to rise on the toes of the aected foot for 8-10 repetitions. The inability to complete this test correlates to the degree of PTTD. (1,47)

PTTD is primarily a clinical diagnosis. (53) In general, plain lms have little diagnostic value for soft tissue lesions. (53) Nonetheless, radio- graphs may be needed to exclude other possibilities from the dierential diagnosis. Plain lms would include weight bearing, AP and lateral views of the foot and ankle. (55) Collapse of the medial longitudinal arch is a classic radiographic nding associated with PTTD. As the disease progresses, lms may demonstrate valgus mal-alignment of the talus and sub talar degeneration. (55-57) MRI may better demonstrate soft tissue lesions as well as the sub-tendinous bone marrow edema that often accompanies the condition. (55,57) Diagnos- tic ultrasound is a useful, low cost alternative for the diagnosis of PTTD. (55,58) Studies have shown that diagnostic ultrasound is only slightly less sensitive than MRI for dening PTTD. (59)

The dierential diagnosis for PTTD includes exor hallucis longus or exor digitorum longus tendinopathy, posterior impingement, stress fracture, deltoid ligament injury, osteoarthritis, Lisfranc injury, and tarsal tunnel syndrome. (60,61)

Early identication of PTTD is essential to limit progression of the disease. (1) Conditions that advance may ultimately require surgery for the resultant instability, impingement, degeneration, and deformity. (1,3,79) Optimal management is partially dependent upon the stage of the disease. (1) Patients with acute tendon irritation (Stage I) may benet from anti-in amatory modalities and NSAIDs. (62-65) NSAIDS may not be a good choice for more chronic “tendinopathies” (66)

Arch supports and orthotics are mainstays of management, but have shown varying degrees of success. (67,68) The intended purpose of orthotics is to correct “ exible” deformities, i.e. maintain the medial arch and correct hind foot position, thus decreasing stress on the posterior tibial tendon. (69,70) Orthotics may help patients in the early stages of PTTD, but may be less beneficial once the foot has lost stability or has developed a rigid deformity. (69) Studies have shown that for unstable feet, orthotics do not consistently improve alignment or gliding resistance of the posterior tibialis. (69,73)

Active rehab should be directed at strengthening the posterior tibialis tendon. Specic exercises would include resisted plantar exion, inversion and adduction. Strengthening the posterior tibailis via eccentric exercise leads to more rapid improvements in symptoms and function. (80) Exercises should be performed while wearing shoes and arch supports or orthotics. (62,74,75) Soft tissue manipulation and myofascial release should address the posterior tibialis and associated musculature. IASTM may be appropriate to stimulate healing of degenerated tendons.

PTTD patients who do not respond to four weeks of conservative care may benet from a walking cast or cam boot to immobilize the foot. (62,76) Those who have failed four months of conservative care and those with advanced disease (i.e. beyond Stage II, with non-correct- able deformity and joint degeneration) may benet from orthopedic or podiatric referral. (62,77,78)

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Bowring B, Chockalingam N (2010) Conservative treatment of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction--a review. Foot (Edinb) 20: 18-26. 17. Schweitzer ME, Karasick D (2000) MR imaging of disorders of the posterior tibialis tendon. AJR Am J Roentgenol 175: 627-635. 18. Imhauser CW, Siegler S, Abidi NA, Frankel DZ. The eect of posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction on the plantar pressure characteristics and the kinematics of the arch and the hindfoot. Clinical Biomechanics 2004;19:161–169. 19. Niki H, Ching RP, Kiser P, Sangeorzan BJ. The effect of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on hindfoot kinematics. Foot Ankle Int 2001;22:292–300. 20. Mann, R.A., Thompson, F., 1985b. Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon causing flat foot. Surgical treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American Volume 67, 556–561. 21. Mann RA. Flatfoot in adults. In: Mann RA, Coughlin MJ, editors. Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. 6th ed. Vol. 1. St. Louis, Mo: The CV Mosby Co; 1993. pp. 757–84. 22. 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Foot Ankle Clin. 2012;17:399–406. 29. Allen D. Posterior Tibial Tendon Insufficiency (PTTI). Orthobullets. http://www.orthobullets.com/foot-and-ankle/7020/posterior-tibial-tendon-insuciency-ptti. Accessed 5/26/15. 30. Kadel NJ (2006) Foot and ankle injuries in dance. Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am 17: 813-826. 31. Kohls-Gatzoulis J, Angel JC, Singh D, Haddad F, Livingstone J, Berry G. Tibialis posterior dysfunction: A common and treatable cause of adult acquired flatfoot. BMJ. 2004;329:1328–33. 32. Myerson M, Solomon G, Shere M. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: Its association with seronegative in ammatory disease. Foot Ankle. 1989;9:219–25. 33. Henceroth WD, 2nd, Deyerle WM. The acquired unilateral atfoot in the adult: Some causative factors. Foot Ankle. 1982;2:304–8. 35. Kim GK. The Risk of Fluoroquinolone-induced Tendinopathy and Tendon Rupture: What Does The Clinician Need To Know? Del Rosso JQ, ed. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology. 2010;3(4):49-54. 37. Kohls-Gatzoulis JA, Singh D. Tibialis posterior dysfunction as a cause of flatfeet in elderly patients. Foot.2004;14:207–9. 38. Johnson KA, Strom DE. Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction. Clin. Orthop 1989:196–206. 39. Bubra PS, Keighley G, Rateesh S, Carmody D. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: An Overlooked Cause of Foot Deformity J Family Med Prim Care. 2015 Jan-Mar; 4(1): 26–29. 40. Fuhrmann RA, Trommer T, Venbrocks RA. The acquired buckling-flatfoot. A foot deformity due to obesity? Orthopade. 2005;34:682–9. 41. Kohls-Gatzoulis JA, Singh D. Tibialis posterior dysfunction as a cause of flatfeet in elderly patients. Foot. 2004;14:207–9. 42. Bracilovic ´ A (2009) Ankle Injuries, in Essential Dance Medicine. Humana Press, New York, USA 43. Johnson KA, Strom DE (1989) Tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction. Clin Orthop Relat Res 239: 196-206. 44. Johnson KA. Tibialis posterior tendon rupture. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983:140–7.

46. Pomeroy GC, Pike RH, Beals TC, Manoli A., 2nd Acquired flatfoot in adults due to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81:1173–82. 47. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 48. Christopher Neville, PT, PhD, Adolph S. Flemister, MD, and Jeff R. Houck, PhD, PT Deep Posterior Compartment Strength and Foot Kinemat- ics in Subjects With Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Foot Ankle Int. 2010 April ; 31(4): 320–328. 49. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 50. Houck JR, Nomides C, Neville CG, Flemister AS. The effect of Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on deep compartment muscle strength: a new strength test. Foot Ankle Int 2008;29:895– 902. 53. Angoules AG, Boutsikari EC. Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis in Dancers. Clin Res Foot Ankle 2013, 1:1 55. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A. Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol. 2008;81:826–36. 56. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 57. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A (2008) Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol 81: 826-836. 58. Premkumar A, Perry MB, Dwyer AJ, Gerber LH, Johnson D, et al. (2002) Sonography and MR imaging of posterior tibial tendinopathy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 178: 223-232. 59. Nallamshetty L, Nazarian LN, Schweitzer ME, Morrison WB, Parellada JA (2005) Evaluation of posterior tibial pathology: comparison of sonography and MR imaging. Skeletal Radiol 34: 375-380. 60. Deland JT, Hamilton WG (2008) Posterior tibial tendon tears in dancers. Clin Sports Med 27: 289-294. 61. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 62. Bubra PS, Keighley G, Rateesh S, Carmody D. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: An Overlooked Cause of Foot Deformity J Family Med Prim Care. 2015 Jan-Mar; 4(1): 26–29. 63. Williams R. Chronic non-specific tendovaginitis of tibialis posterior. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1963;45:542–5. 64. Wacker JT, Hennessy MS, Saxby TS. Calcaneal osteotomy and transfer of the tendon of flexor digitorum longus for stage-II dysfunction of tibialis posterior. Three- to five-year results. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2002;84:54–8. 65. Miniaci-Coxhead SL, Flemister AS., Jr Office-based management of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Med Clin North Am. 2014;98:291–9. 66. Paoloni JP, Orchard JW. The use of therapeutic medications for soft-tissue injuries in sports medicine. MJA Practice Essentials Volume 183, Number 7, October 3 2005 67. Havenhill, T.G., Toolan, B.C., Draganich, L.F., 2005. Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver atfoot model. Foot & Ankle International 26, 607–613. 68. Wapner, K., Chao, W., 1999. Nonoperative treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 365, 39–45. 69. Takaaki Hirano, Matthew B.A. McCullough, Harold B. Kitaoka, Kazuya Ikoma, Kenton R. Kaufman. Eects of foot orthoses on the work of friction of the posterior tibial tendon. Clinical Biomechanics, November 2009, Volume 24, Issue 9, Pages 776–780 70. Burns J, Landorf KB, Ryan MM, Crosbie J, Ouvrier RA. Interventions for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;4:CD006154. 73. Kitaoka, H.B., Luo, Z.P., Kura, H., An, K.N., 2002. Eect of foot orthoses on 3- dimensional kinematics of atfoot: a cadaveric study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 83, 876–879 74. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Requejo SM, Sperry M, Terk M: Selective activation of tibialis posterior: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004, 36:862-867. 75. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Reischl S, Requejo SM, Blanco CE, Thordarson DB: Effect of foot orthoses on tibialis posterior activation in persons with pes planus. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005, 37:24-29. 76. Flatt DW. Common Diagnoses and Treatments Aecting the Lower Limbs. Presentation at the 2015 American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists Convention. Las Vegas NV April 24, 2015. 77. Mann RA. Acquired flatfoot in adults. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983:46–51. 78. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 79. Mann, R.A., Thompson, F., 1985b. Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon causing flat foot. Surgical treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American Volume 67, 556–561. 80. Kulig K, Lederhaus E.S., Reischl, et al. Eect of Eccentric Exercise Program for Early Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy. Foot & Ankle Internation- al Vol. 30, No. 9, September 2009 Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the most common cause of adult-ac- Posterior Tibial Tendon quired at foot. (1) Symptoms begin with pain and may progress to degeneration and deformity if left untreated. (1,3) Early recognition and management can lead Dysfunction to signicantly improved outcomes. (1)

46. Pomeroy GC, Pike RH, Beals TC, Manoli A., 2nd Acquired flatfoot in adults due to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81:1173–82. 47. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 48. Christopher Neville, PT, PhD, Adolph S. Flemister, MD, and Jeff R. Houck, PhD, PT Deep Posterior Compartment Strength and Foot Kinemat- ics in Subjects With Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Foot Ankle Int. 2010 April ; 31(4): 320–328. 49. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 50. Houck JR, Nomides C, Neville CG, Flemister AS. The effect of Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on deep compartment muscle strength: a new strength test. Foot Ankle Int 2008;29:895– 902. 53. Angoules AG, Boutsikari EC. Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis in Dancers. Clin Res Foot Ankle 2013, 1:1 55. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A. Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol. 2008;81:826–36. 56. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 57. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A (2008) Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol 81: 826-836. 58. Premkumar A, Perry MB, Dwyer AJ, Gerber LH, Johnson D, et al. (2002) Sonography and MR imaging of posterior tibial tendinopathy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 178: 223-232. 59. Nallamshetty L, Nazarian LN, Schweitzer ME, Morrison WB, Parellada JA (2005) Evaluation of posterior tibial pathology: comparison of sonography and MR imaging. Skeletal Radiol 34: 375-380. 60. Deland JT, Hamilton WG (2008) Posterior tibial tendon tears in dancers. Clin Sports Med 27: 289-294. 61. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 62. Bubra PS, Keighley G, Rateesh S, Carmody D. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: An Overlooked Cause of Foot Deformity J Family Med Prim Care. 2015 Jan-Mar; 4(1): 26–29. 63. Williams R. Chronic non-specific tendovaginitis of tibialis posterior. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1963;45:542–5. 64. Wacker JT, Hennessy MS, Saxby TS. Calcaneal osteotomy and transfer of the tendon of flexor digitorum longus for stage-II dysfunction of tibialis posterior. Three- to five-year results. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2002;84:54–8. 65. Miniaci-Coxhead SL, Flemister AS., Jr Office-based management of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Med Clin North Am. 2014;98:291–9. 66. Paoloni JP, Orchard JW. The use of therapeutic medications for soft-tissue injuries in sports medicine. MJA Practice Essentials Volume 183, Number 7, October 3 2005 67. Havenhill, T.G., Toolan, B.C., Draganich, L.F., 2005. Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver atfoot model. Foot & Ankle International 26, 607–613. 68. Wapner, K., Chao, W., 1999. Nonoperative treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 365, 39–45. 69. Takaaki Hirano, Matthew B.A. McCullough, Harold B. Kitaoka, Kazuya Ikoma, Kenton R. Kaufman. Eects of foot orthoses on the work of friction of the posterior tibial tendon. Clinical Biomechanics, November 2009, Volume 24, Issue 9, Pages 776–780 70. Burns J, Landorf KB, Ryan MM, Crosbie J, Ouvrier RA. Interventions for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;4:CD006154. 73. Kitaoka, H.B., Luo, Z.P., Kura, H., An, K.N., 2002. Eect of foot orthoses on 3- dimensional kinematics of atfoot: a cadaveric study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 83, 876–879 74. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Requejo SM, Sperry M, Terk M: Selective activation of tibialis posterior: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004, 36:862-867. 75. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Reischl S, Requejo SM, Blanco CE, Thordarson DB: Effect of foot orthoses on tibialis posterior activation in persons with pes planus. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005, 37:24-29. 76. Flatt DW. Common Diagnoses and Treatments Aecting the Lower Limbs. Presentation at the 2015 American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists Convention. Las Vegas NV April 24, 2015. 77. Mann RA. Acquired flatfoot in adults. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983:46–51. 78. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 79. Mann, R.A., Thompson, F., 1985b. Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon causing flat foot. Surgical treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American Volume 67, 556–561. 80. Kulig K, Lederhaus E.S., Reischl, et al. Eect of Eccentric Exercise Program for Early Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy. Foot & Ankle Internation- al Vol. 30, No. 9, September 2009 Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the most common cause of adult-acquired at foot. (1) Symptoms begin with pain and may progress to degeneration and deformity if left untreated. (1,3) Early recognition and management can lead to signicantly improved outcomes. (1)

The deep compartment of the leg consists of three muscles: the posterior tibialis (PT), exor digitorum longus (FDL), and exor hallucis longus (FHL). The posterior tibialis is the deepest and largest muscle of the trio – typically comprising almost 60% of the cross sectional area of the entire deep compartment. (4-7) The posteri- or tibialis originates on the interosseous membrane and the posterior surfaces of the tibia and bula. (4) The muscle’s tendon begins several centimeters above the ankle then courses through the deep posterior compartment of the leg behind the medial malleolus before turning toward its main attachment on the navicular tuberosity. (4) Ancillary attachments include the second and third cuneiform, cuboid, bases of the second, third, & fourth metatarsals, and sustentaculum tali of the calcaneous. (4,8-10)

Actions of the posterior tibialis muscle include inversion and plantar exion of the foot. Because of its size and moment arm, the posterior tibialis is the primary elevator and dynamic stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot. (5,11-15) During the normal gait cycle, the posterior tibialis lifts the medial longitudinal arch, thereby interlocking the tarsals (calcaneous, cuboid, talus, and navicular) into a rigid lever for propulsion. (12,17) The role of the posterior tibialis is most signicant during push o. (18,19)

Early literature suggested that up to 50% of PTTD cases arose from trauma. (20,21) More recent literature suggests that the majority of cases begin from repeated micro trauma. (22) Repetitive stressors initiate a cascade of dysfunction that begins with “normal” in ammation but regresses to “failed healing”, brosis, and tendon degeneration. Degeneration aects the gliding resistance of the tendon and progressively diminishes the tendon’s ability to support the foot. (22) As the tendon becomes less eective, the longitudinal arch of the foot is allowed to collapse; thereby, increasing strain on the posterior tibialis. (22,25,26) The most common site for injury is a zone of relative hypovasulcarity directly posterior to the medial malleolus. (22,27,28)

The continuum of PTTD progresses through the following stages: (29) I Tenosynovitis without deformity IIA Flat foot deformity IIB Flat foot deformity with excessive forefoot abduction III Rigid forefoot abduction and hindfoot valgus IV Deltoid ligament compromise

Like most cumulative trauma disorders, the etiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is multi factoral. Problems typically arise when repetitive strain exceeds the tendon’s threshold for injury. Extrinsic factors that contribute to the development of posterior tibial tendinopathy include training errors- particularly those related to intensity, duration, and/or training on excessively hard surfaces. (30) In addition to the obvious contribution from hyperpronation, other intrinsic factors that increase the likelihood of developing PTTD include a history of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, seronegative arthropathy, steroid injection, surgery, or trauma. (1,31-33) A recent prescription of uoroquinolones may increase the risk of tendon rupture. (35)

The stereotypical PTTD patient is an obese, middle-aged female. (1) Some researchers estimate that PTTD may be present in up to 10% of this population. (37) PTTD is typically unilateral- bilateral disease is rare. (1) Common presenting complaints of an irritated (but intact) posterior tibial tendon include insidious onset unilateral pain and swelling along the course of the tendon – most notably behind the medial malleolus. (38-41) Symptoms often begin following an increase in training intensity or duration. (42) Symptoms may be exacerbated by weight bearing activity, particularly, standing tiptoe and walking stairs or on uneven

46. Pomeroy GC, Pike RH, Beals TC, Manoli A., 2nd Acquired flatfoot in adults due to dysfunction of the posterior tibial tendon. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81:1173–82. 47. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 48. Christopher Neville, PT, PhD, Adolph S. Flemister, MD, and Jeff R. Houck, PhD, PT Deep Posterior Compartment Strength and Foot Kinemat- ics in Subjects With Stage II Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Foot Ankle Int. 2010 April ; 31(4): 320–328. 49. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 50. Houck JR, Nomides C, Neville CG, Flemister AS. The effect of Stage II posterior tibial tendon dysfunction on deep compartment muscle strength: a new strength test. Foot Ankle Int 2008;29:895– 902. 53. Angoules AG, Boutsikari EC. Posterior Tibialis Tendonitis in Dancers. Clin Res Foot Ankle 2013, 1:1 55. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A. Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol. 2008;81:826–36. 56. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 57. Kong A, Van Der Vliet A (2008) Imaging of tibialis posterior dysfunction. Br J Radiol 81: 826-836. 58. Premkumar A, Perry MB, Dwyer AJ, Gerber LH, Johnson D, et al. (2002) Sonography and MR imaging of posterior tibial tendinopathy. AJR Am J Roentgenol 178: 223-232. 59. Nallamshetty L, Nazarian LN, Schweitzer ME, Morrison WB, Parellada JA (2005) Evaluation of posterior tibial pathology: comparison of sonography and MR imaging. Skeletal Radiol 34: 375-380. 60. Deland JT, Hamilton WG (2008) Posterior tibial tendon tears in dancers. Clin Sports Med 27: 289-294. 61. Simpson MR, Howard TM (2009) Tendinopathies of the foot and ankle. Am Fam Physician 80: 1107-1114. 62. Bubra PS, Keighley G, Rateesh S, Carmody D. Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: An Overlooked Cause of Foot Deformity J Family Med Prim Care. 2015 Jan-Mar; 4(1): 26–29. 63. Williams R. Chronic non-specific tendovaginitis of tibialis posterior. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1963;45:542–5. 64. Wacker JT, Hennessy MS, Saxby TS. Calcaneal osteotomy and transfer of the tendon of flexor digitorum longus for stage-II dysfunction of tibialis posterior. Three- to five-year results. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2002;84:54–8. 65. Miniaci-Coxhead SL, Flemister AS., Jr Office-based management of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Med Clin North Am. 2014;98:291–9. 66. Paoloni JP, Orchard JW. The use of therapeutic medications for soft-tissue injuries in sports medicine. MJA Practice Essentials Volume 183, Number 7, October 3 2005 67. Havenhill, T.G., Toolan, B.C., Draganich, L.F., 2005. Effects of a UCBL orthosis and a calcaneal osteotomy on tibiotalar contact characteristics in a cadaver atfoot model. Foot & Ankle International 26, 607–613. 68. Wapner, K., Chao, W., 1999. Nonoperative treatment of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 365, 39–45. 69. Takaaki Hirano, Matthew B.A. McCullough, Harold B. Kitaoka, Kazuya Ikoma, Kenton R. Kaufman. Eects of foot orthoses on the work of friction of the posterior tibial tendon. Clinical Biomechanics, November 2009, Volume 24, Issue 9, Pages 776–780 70. Burns J, Landorf KB, Ryan MM, Crosbie J, Ouvrier RA. Interventions for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;4:CD006154. 73. Kitaoka, H.B., Luo, Z.P., Kura, H., An, K.N., 2002. Eect of foot orthoses on 3- dimensional kinematics of atfoot: a cadaveric study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 83, 876–879 74. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Requejo SM, Sperry M, Terk M: Selective activation of tibialis posterior: evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2004, 36:862-867. 75. Kulig K, Burnfield JM, Reischl S, Requejo SM, Blanco CE, Thordarson DB: Effect of foot orthoses on tibialis posterior activation in persons with pes planus. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2005, 37:24-29. 76. Flatt DW. Common Diagnoses and Treatments Aecting the Lower Limbs. Presentation at the 2015 American College of Chiropractic Orthopedists Convention. Las Vegas NV April 24, 2015. 77. Mann RA. Acquired flatfoot in adults. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1983:46–51. 78. Myerson MS. Adult acquired flat foot deformity. J Bone Joint Surg. 1996;78A:780–92. 79. Mann, R.A., Thompson, F., 1985b. Rupture of the posterior tibial tendon causing flat foot. Surgical treatment. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – American Volume 67, 556–561. 80. Kulig K, Lederhaus E.S., Reischl, et al. Eect of Eccentric Exercise Program for Early Tibialis Posterior Tendinopathy. Foot & Ankle Internation- al Vol. 30, No. 9, September 2009 Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is the most common cause of adult-acquired at foot. (1) Symptoms begin with pain and may progress to degeneration and deformity if left untreated. (1,3) Early recognition and management can lead to signicantly improved outcomes. (1)