Posterior Tibial Tendon Injury. Most commonly patients with posterior tibial tendonitis complain of pain on the inner of the foot and ankle and occasionally have problems associated with an unsteady gait. The tibialis posterior muscle passes down the back of the leg and under the medial malleolus.
Symptoms of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction in the early stages as the arch flattens there is likely to be pain on the inside of the ankle and under the foot. Tibialis posterior tendonitis is usually an overuse injury which commonly occurs due to repetitive or prolonged activities placing strain on the tibialis posterior tendon. This strap mimics the posterior tibialis the muscle tendon structure accountable for lifting the arch of the foot.
Tendinopathy is probably a more accurate term to use as it refers to wear and tear or degeneration of the tendon rather than acute inflammation.
The tibialis posterior tendon supports the arch of the foot so if it becomes impaired or is not working properly the arch of the foot collapses. The tendon can also tear due to overuse. An acute injury such as from a fall can tear the posterior tibial tendon or cause it to become inflamed. Pain or tenderness occurs on the inside of the shin ankle or foot.