Tibial Tendonitis

Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, a thick cord of tissue that connects muscles to bone. Two of the tendons in the foot that commonly experience tendonitis are the anterior tibial tendon and the posterior tibial tendon.

Anterior Tibial Tendonitis

The anterior tibial tendon runs down the front of the shin, just on the outside of the shin bone. Anterior tibialis tendonitis is an inflammation of this tendon that may result from injury by trauma or overuse over time. Symptoms include dull aching pain along the front of the ankle or the lower shin, on the outside of the leg.

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important tendons of the leg. It passes down the back of the leg, inside of the ankle and under the foot. It is an overuse injury and thought to be related to degeneration of the tendon. Symptoms include pain on the inside of the foot that may radiate along the length of the tendon under the foot.

If you suspect you may have tibial tendonitis, the foot and ankle team at Lancaster Orthopedic Group can help you find relief. Conservative treatments include rest, ice, compression of the tendon with an athletic wrap or surgical tape, anti-inflammatory medications, custom orthotics, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct any mechanical causes of the tendon irritation.