Can anyone help me figure out what’s wrong w/ my foot? I recently recovered from a bout of Achilles tendonitis only to have this new pain appear. It’s below the inside of my ankle and in front of my heel-- if that makes any sense. Kind of on the upper rear portion of my arch. Pain only appears when running or walking. I can’t seem to find a stretch that isolates it. It’s not debilitating, just very annoying, and I’m afraid it could get worse.
I figured someone here must have encountered the same thing. Any ideas? Thanks!
Thanks for the reply, Cerveloguy. No, I don’t think it’s plantar fasciitis – unless it’s a different flavor than I’ve had before.
When I had plantar fasciitis in the past, it hurt on the bottom of my heel. Pain was worst first thing in the morning, then eased. That experience is consistent with the wiki description (and others I’ve read).
This new pain is on the “side” of my foot, just below and to the rear of where my ankle bone sticks out.
Thanks for the relpy, Nate. I don’t think it’s peroneal tendonitis though-- my pain is on the inside of my ankle, not the outside. Thanks again. This is all really helpful because I can’t figure out what to google for.
Rroof, I think we have a winner! Posterior tibial tendonitis seems very likely. It helps alot to know which tendon it most likely is. I’ll try self-treatment (ice, tennis ball massage, etc.) for a couple of weeks and see what happens. Thanks!
Rroof, I think we have a winner! Posterior tibial tendonitis seems very likely. It helps alot to know which tendon it most likely is. I’ll try self-treatment (ice, tennis ball massage, etc.) for a couple of weeks and see what happens. Thanks!
Anyone know any stretches for this tendon?
I was waiting for this lightbulb to come on …
Now, read more and for now, DON’T “stretch” the tendon. The main function of the PT tendon is inversion and dorsiflexion of the foot when in closed kinetic chain (open uses the anterior tibial more to dorsiflex). It is also the main “support” tendon of the medial longitudinal arch from it’s main attachment to the inferomedial navicular.
Well, rroof, since your so smart (which I mean in the most flattering way ) perhaps you can help me take the analysis just a little bit further.
From what I’ve read so far, arch supports are often prescribed to take some pressure off the posterior tibial tendon. But I’m wondering whether the arch supports I started wearing just a couple of months ago might actually be the source of my problem.
As I mentioned above, I have recently gotten over a case of (bilateral) Achilles tendonitis. Part of my treatment for that condition included arch supports, primarily to stabilize some mild pronation in my right foot. Note that the posterior tibial tendon issue is in my left foot.
Anyway, I’ve never worn arch supports before. I have very high arches, along with a high instep and 4E width. I’m 40 and I can only remember one pair of shoes ever touching my arches (when I was 18). They gave me blisters and I threw them away.
So the arch supports I began using recently felt foreign and uncomfortable. But I stuck with them and my Achilles improved significantly within a couple of weeks. Now, of course, I have a new pain.
So my follow up question is this: does it seem possible that my posterior tibial tendon problems arose from the arch supports (1) putting pressure on the underside of my arches where there had been none before or (2) causing me to walk/run more on the outside of my foot to relieve the pressure under my arch? My inclination right now is to ditch the arch supports and try an ice & Advil routine for a week or so.
Thanks again for the input. It’s extremely helpful.
I just saw a doctor-- the one I’m married to. She was absolutely no help (she’s an OB/Gyn)! But don’t worry, I won’t ignore it too long. We’ve got some good “running” doctors in my town and I’m not shy about going to see them. I’m just trying to figure out what injury I’m dealing with and what kind of self-treatment might be useful before I make an appointment. (Ice, advil and rest are always the first recommendations, right?)
Sorry to hear your PTT ruptured. What did it feel like before it happened? Were you gritting your teeth through yours runs, or was it just a nagging inconvenience?
Ah, the plot thickens! Yes, there is a definite possible your orthotics are both fixing one condition (your achilles tendonitis) and exacerbating another (PTTD).
Where did you get these? My suspicion based on your posts/history is that the “arch support” helped your achilles mainly because of the heel lift effect, and not the “anti pronation” effect. There could be a direct mechanical irritation of the distal PT tendon, but without seeing your foot/orthotic, I just don’t know. You need to have someone well versed in these matters - preferably the guy/gal who made your orthotics. for now, rest, ice, po NSAIDs is good. Hopefully your local “running doctor” knows the function of your PT tendon in relation to your achilles issues …
Thanks a bunch, rroof. I’m in a university town (Charlottesville, VA) with a good sports med clinic, PTs, etc. I think I’ll make an appointment if it’s not feeling better by the end of the week. . . . Well, as long as it doesn’t interfere w/ my 100 runs in 100 days effort.
Thanks again everyone. Consider the case closed (for now). I’m off to bed.
) perhaps you can help me take the analysis just a little bit further.