Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy (Inner Ankle Tendon Pain)
Do you have pain or swelling along the inside of your ankle or arch? Has your foot started to flatten or roll inward when you walk? You may be experiencing posterior tibial tendinopathy, commonly described as inner ankle tendon pain, a condition that can affect foot stability and arch support.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide individualized treatment to help reduce pain, support the arch, and restore stable, comfortable movement.
Understanding Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
The posterior tibial tendon connects the posterior tibialis muscle in the calf to bones along the inside of the foot. This tendon plays a major role in supporting the arch and helping control foot movement during walking and running.
Posterior tibial tendinopathy occurs when this tendon becomes irritated or overloaded. Over time, the tendon may weaken and struggle to support the arch of the foot.
If the condition progresses without treatment, it may lead to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), which can contribute to flattening of the foot.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may increase stress on the posterior tibial tendon.
Flat Feet or Overpronation
Excessive inward rolling of the foot can place additional strain on the tendon.
Prolonged Standing or Walking
Jobs or activities that require long periods on the feet may overload the tendon.
Poor Footwear
Shoes without adequate arch support may contribute to tendon stress.
Sudden Increase in Activity
Rapid increases in walking, running, or exercise intensity can overload the tendon.
Muscle Weakness
Weakness in the foot, ankle, or hip muscles may reduce stability and increase tendon strain.
Previous Foot or Ankle Injury
Prior injuries can alter mechanics and increase stress on the inner ankle.
Signs and Symptoms of Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen with activity.
Common signs include:
• Pain along the inside of the ankle or arch
• Swelling near the inner ankle
• Pain that worsens with prolonged walking or standing
• Flattening of the arch or visible change in foot posture
• Difficulty performing a single-leg heel raise
• A feeling of ankle weakness or instability
If the condition progresses, the arch may collapse further and movement may become more difficult.
How Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy Is Evaluated
At Rose Physical Therapy, evaluation focuses on identifying tendon irritation and the movement patterns contributing to the problem.
Your physical therapist may perform:
• Review of symptoms, activity level, and footwear habits
• Palpation of the posterior tibial tendon
• Assessment of foot posture and arch height
• Strength testing of the foot, ankle, and hip muscles
• Balance testing and single-leg heel raises
• Gait analysis to observe walking mechanics
• Functional movement testing such as stair climbing or squatting
This evaluation helps guide a personalized treatment plan.
Physical Therapy for Posterior Tibial Tendinopathy
Treatment focuses on reducing tendon irritation while improving strength and foot support.
At Rose Physical Therapy, rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient’s symptoms and activity goals.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques may help reduce tension and improve mobility in the foot and ankle.
Tendon Strengthening
Progressive loading exercises help rebuild strength in the posterior tibial tendon.
Arch Strengthening
Exercises for the intrinsic foot muscles help support the arch.
Hip and Lower Leg Strengthening
Strengthening surrounding muscles improves overall lower limb alignment.
Balance and Stability Training
Exercises improve foot and ankle control during walking and standing.
Movement and Gait Training
Therapists may help correct walking patterns that place excess strain on the tendon.
Supportive Strategies
Taping, bracing, or orthotic recommendations may help support the arch during recovery.
Home Exercise Program
Patients receive customized exercises to support recovery outside the clinic.
Posterior Tibial Tendon Pain Treatment in Washington, DC
Inner ankle pain and arch instability can affect walking, exercise, and daily activity. With the right treatment approach, many people can recover and improve foot stability.
At Rose Physical Therapy, individualized care focuses on strengthening the tendon, improving mechanics, and restoring comfortable movement.
If you are experiencing inner ankle tendon pain or symptoms of posterior tibial tendinopathy, schedule an evaluation at one of the Washington, DC clinic locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Rose Physical Therapy provides comprehensive care designed to help patients recover from posterior tibial tendinopathy and maintain healthy foot function.