Blog post produced and written by Head of Physiotherapy Dept. & Lead Sports Therapist Gerard Minihane. With a Masters Degree in Sports Therapy and currently working with the QPR Football Club Medical Team, Gerard talks and offers advice here on Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (otherwise known at PTTD).
PTTD is perhaps an overlooked form of foot deformity. It is the most common cause of adult acquired flatfoot. The unfortunate thing is, is that symptoms may not present before clinical symptoms are apparent. The tendon may be experiencing degeneration in some form and you would be carrying on with normal life without noticing anything
By detecting things early, we can prevent the progression of the dysfunction and prevent operative interventions. If left untreated, and the dysfunction were to progress, surgical reconstruction with osteotomy and arthrodesis becomes necessary.
Symptoms will progress with the patient describing the pain and swelling along the medial aspect of the foot and ankle, which may be exacerbated with activity. Standing on their toes may be painful and difficult, as may walking up or down stairs or on uneven surfaces. In addition, patients may complain of an exacerbation of a preexisting limp. As the medial longitudinal arch collapses, the deformity of the foot increases, in this instance patients may describe abnormal wear on their shoes.
Please don't take these symptoms lightly and hope they go away with some rest etc. Consult your local professional here at Bodylogics where you will get the right conservative advice to manage the injury with load management and strengthening exercises.
