Post Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Post-tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a painful condition. Without treatment, the collapsed flat foot that develops from PTTD eventually becomes rigid, and arthritis develops in the foot and ankle. Post tibial tendon dysfunction is usually progressive, which means it will keep getting worse, especially if it isn’t treated early. The place to get the right diagnosis and the very best treatment is from the experts at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their experience with PTTD is unmatched.
OVERVIEW
The average adult takes 4,000 to 6,000 steps per day. Considering the weight and stress placed on the feet each day, it’s easy to see how approximately 80% of people will experience a foot-related problem at some point during their lives. Post-tibial tendon dysfunction is also known as posterior tibial tendonitis or posterior tibial tendon insufficiency and is most currently renamed progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). It often occurs in women over 50 and may be due to an inherent abnormality of the tendon. Post tibial tendon dysfunction is the most common cause of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity. Although this condition typically occurs in only one foot, some people may develop it in both feet.
ABOUT TENDONS
Approximately 25% of the bones in the body are found in the feet. The foot is a complex mechanical structure of the human body composed of 33 joints, 26 bones, and over a hundred muscles, ligaments, and tendons that all work together to bear weight, allow for locomotion, and transmit force. Tendons are flexible, cord or rope-like bands of connective tissue that connect muscles to bones. They essentially work as levers to move one’s bones as muscles contract and expand. When one contracts (squeezes) the muscle, the tendon pulls the attached bone, causing it to move. When the tendon is injured or breaks down, it may no longer be able to support the arch, making specific movements difficult. These movements may include standing, walking, running, or standing on the toes.
WHAT IS POST-TIBIAL TENDON DYSFUNCTION?
One of the many tendons is the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon originates in the calf and extends down to the inner part of the ankle, where it is connected to the bone in the middle of the foot. Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition that leads to inflammation or a tear in the tendon. When the tendon is damaged, it can no longer support the arch of the inside of the foot. There are four posterior tibial tendon dysfunction stages:
- Stage I: The tendon is stretched or injured but otherwise intact.
- Stage II: The tendon is torn (ruptured) or not working properly. The foot is deformed.
- Stage III: The foot is significantly deformed. There are degenerative changes to the connective tissue (cartilage) in the back of the foot.
- Stage IV: There are degenerative changes to the ankle joint. In this stage, the ankle and foot both become deformed, and there may be arthritis in the ankle.
The inability of the tendon to support the arch of the foot leads to a condition known as a “flat foot.” The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons defines a flat foot as a condition in which the foot’s arch lies flat on the inner side and the foot points outwards. PTTD is often called adult-acquired flatfoot because it is the most common type of flatfoot developed during adulthood.
Read more about Post Tibial Tendon Dysfunction on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with an foot and ankle specialist today.
