At Hunters Hill Physiotherapy, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge to take charge of their health. If you’ve been noticing pain along the inner side of your foot or ankle, you might be dealing with Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction (TPD) – a condition that can seriously impact your mobility. The good news is that we are here to help. Call (02) 9816 5092 to get a tailored assessment and start reclaiming comfortable movement.
What is tibialis posterior dysfunction?
Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction, also known as Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD), occurs when the posterior tibial tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. This tendon is critical for supporting the foot’s arch and stabilising the ankle during walking, running, or standing. When the tendon fails, the arch can collapse, leading to flatfoot deformity and altered gait patterns.
Causes and risk factors
Several factors can increase the risk of TPD:
Recognising the symptoms
Early detection is essential for effective management. Common signs include:
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, a physiotherapy assessment is strongly recommended.
Physiotherapy management
At Hunters Hill Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists take a thorough, evidence-based approach to tibialis posterior dysfunction (TPD). Rather than just treating the sore spot, we look at the bigger picture – how your foot moves, how your ankle behaves, and even how your gait holds up when you’re rushing for the bus.
Assessment and diagnosis
It all begins with a hands-on assessment. This may include clinical examination and palpation (yes, that’s the gentle prodding bit), functional movement testing to see how the ankle performs in action, and a gait analysis that reveals whether your walk has picked up any quirks. If needed, imaging helps us confirm what’s happening beneath the surface.
Pain management
When the tendon is protesting, soothing it is step one. Ice therapy can help calm inflammation. Supportive taping or bracing is sometimes used too – think of it as a temporary bodyguard for your tendon while it settles down.
Strengthening exercises
Once the pain is under control, it’s time to rebuild strength. Eccentric calf raises help condition the tendon and calf muscles, while resistance band work targets the posterior tibial muscle directly. We also bring balance and proprioception training into the mix, so your ankle learns to stay steady even when the ground beneath it is unpredictable (looking at you, uneven pavements!).
Education and lifestyle modifications
Of course, physio isn’t just about what happens in the clinic. We’ll chat about the everyday factors that can help or hinder recovery: choosing the right footwear, considering orthotics if needed, pacing your activities, and managing weight to reduce strain on the tendon. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping your feet happier for the long run.
Preventing tibialis posterior dysfunction
Nobody wants to be back at square one. Preventive care is key – that means keeping the foot and ankle muscles strong, wearing supportive shoes (your thongs may not be doing you any favours), building up activity levels gradually instead of going hell for leather in week one, and looking after overall health to ease pressure on the tendons.
Why choose Hunters Hill Physiotherapy?
Our team of physiotherapists combines scientific knowledge with personalised care to restore function and mobility. We’ll develop a rehabilitation plan tailored to your goals, helping you move confidently again.
If foot or ankle pain is slowing you down, don’t wait for it to worsen. Call (02) 9816 5092 today and take the first step toward recovery.
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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.
