Posterior Tibial Tendonitis Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• Pain and swelling near the arch of the foot and on the inside of the ankle
• Pain that increases when standing on the ball of the foot or if the foot is flexed
• Pain that increases with activity
• Tiredness in the foot after little activity
• Pain that becomes more disabling
• Later in the course of the tendinopathy, a flattening of the arch of the foot and pronation
• An inability to push off well when running

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done, paying special attention to the foot. Pain in the ankle and foot can be due to many causes. Posterior tibialis tendinopathy can be difficult to diagnose.

The doctor will try to feel the tendon through your skin. He/she will note how the foot moves and handles resistance to moving the foot inwards. The doctor will look at the foot from behind and from the side and see how flat the arch is. You may be asked to try to stand on the ball of your foot. If you cannot do this you are likely to have a problem with your posterior tibial tendon.

To confirm changes in your foot and exclude other causes, your doctor may order:

• X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of the inside of the body