Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction

This clinically inclined term refers to the flatfooted condition acquired in adulthood. This merely manifests when the major tendon in feet experiences some degenerative and drastic changes in structure. This impairs the ability of foot to support the arch thereby giving the pate a flat footed structure. It is one of the common problems afflicting people in the foot and ankle area and is sometimes brought to pass by a tendon inflamed or torn by extreme friction.

This affliction being the most common in adults rears its head slowly, developing in one foot at a time. However studies have shown that it can develop in both feet simultaneously. Considered to be a progressive affliction, it can gradually get worse with the passage of time if it is left untreated for long.

PTTD is characterized by extreme pain, swollen foot, falling arch and an inward inclination of the ankle. The said pain often tends to get worse with increased physical activity and might continue to afflict the subject even after the activity has ceased. If the posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is not treated in time, the pain experienced in the foot and ankle might get worse and cause the skin to redden, get warm and swell up considerably. The ultimate symptoms would display the manifestations of arthritis and progress to the ankle as well.

The most common cause of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction is muscular and tendon overuse. The symptoms manifest in full extent mostly after strenuous physical activity like hiking, walking, running or climbing a steep gradient. Though, acute injuries can also give way to PTTD. The impact of an all might severely injure the tendon in question and set this dysfunction in motion. Physically intensive sports like soccer, basketball, badminton, tennis, basketball and certain forms of dance may injure the tendon on the gradual level and progress it towards the long-term damage. With increased injury and damage, the tendon might be continually damaged and cause the arch of the foot to fall

When compared, it is seen that women are afflicted by this condition much more than men and it's pretty rampant with women over 40 years of age. People with chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and obesity run the risk of developing PTTD.

Since Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction is classified as a progressive disorder, its treatment can be meted out without intervening surgically. PTTD needs to be treated before it is too late.

The best way to deal with PTTD is to completely cease physical activity and engage in cold therapy and complete rest. However more conventional methods are required for cases of further advancement. The usage of braces, orthotic devices and foot immobilization techniques using casts, physical therapy and medicine to soothe inflammation can reduce the affliction considerably. Also the subject is made to wear condition-friendly footwear to soothe the form.

While most initial cases can be resolved by such remedial treatment, advanced cases require more than just footwear modification. For extremely painful cases in which the symptoms cannot be removed via conventional remedies, surgical methods are employed. The inflamed tissues are surgically removed and the tendons are repaired. Because of the complicated surgical procedure, the patients suffering from PTTD are often reduced to bed rest with least movement and increased periods of recuperation.