Severe Tendinitis: Posterior Tibial Tendon PLEASE READ! - Foot Problems Message Board

scarlett777 · 06-25-2004, 05:34 PM

I am having a horrible time with Post-tib tendonitis. The sx started in January, and by March I couldn't walk and was put in a cam-walker and on crutches. My MRI in March didn't show any abnormalities in the tendon, but by April, the pain and swelling was all over the arch of my foot and up around my inner ankle and into my calf. I was put in a hard cast for 3 weeks, then a boot. I was just taken off crutches a few days ago!

I am now in an aircast, plus orthodics. I am using a cane.

Now, the swelling is down, but I still have pain.

How long does this last? Is this absolute hell or what? Is it normal for tendonitis to last this long and be this painful?

I am in PT now, but I can't walk without pain.

I can't believe that flat feet plus massive pronation can cause something this horrible. I over-exercised all through my teens and twenties, but laid off for the last couple of years (I'm in my early 30's now) because of my work schedule. However, I was in a job that required me to stand on my feet, so maybe that tipped the scales. (I was unable to keep working when it got so severe).

I was worked up by a rheumatologist and neurologist, but thankfully, I was fine. I just can't believe this can be so bad. It sort of freaks me out that the MRI showed nothing but "bone marrow edema" or trauma to bones but no tendon abnormalities and yet tendinitis is my diagnosis. At the same time, I guess it has improved because the swelling *is* down, even though it still hurts to walk on it.

I guess I'm posting for reassurance. Part of me is still scared... I've never had anything like this before!

Thanks,
Scarlett

kyle13 · 07-28-2004, 09:27 AM

Scarlett,

I know exactly how you're feeling. I used to be very active and the last 5 years have been discouraging as I have been battling Post-Tib tendonitis(now chronic), due to flat feet (which really isn't that flat, but I pronate...). I have the same symptoms: pain along tendon in arch and up through the inner part of the ankle and into the calf(cramping) everyday. Not great for my teaching career, but we all find a way to make it through and tough it out.

I'm in my mid-thirties and frustrated that all this is slowing me down now. I have had 2 podiatrists go the less invasive route (not going with the post tib tendon transfer + calcaneal osteotomy to fix the arch/pronation) and I have had a gastroc release and tarsal tunnel release (surgeries) that did nothing but provide me with residual surgery pain.

My doctor wanted me to get some blood work (rheumetoid, etc...) and I know that this will come up negative like yours did. Also, my MRI's and X-rays have shown some edema but nothing else substantial.

After going through all this hassle(5 yrs) I am positive now that I have severe posterior tendonitis (causing adult acquired flexible flat feet) and most likely need a CALCANEAL OSTEOTOMY to create more of an arch (and fix my pronating), as well as a POST-TIB TENDON TRANSFER to alleviate the pain I have along the tendon.

Keep me updated with your condition (I will too). I believe we have the same thing going on and filling each other in with what we have been told by the doctors (and what we may do) will be helpful.

Good Luck

Kyle

injured betty · 07-28-2004, 10:18 AM

My husband woke up one day with and aching ankle. He couldn't put any weight on it. He went to a primary who sent him to an ankle specialists. They told him that as people as their foot flattens out. I am not sure that I agree with this. They did X-rays and an MRI and then put him in a small brace and told him that it had to live with it. They did'nt mention rebuilding his arch. The brace is not helping one bit. His foot hurts, his ankle hurts and he can barely walk. They told him that he has tendonitis. Any time any one uses a word with itis on it I think that they just don't know what they are talking about.

Any time frame given for the tendontitis to subside?

rmc12 · 07-29-2004, 02:10 PM

Hi ,

I also have posterior tibial tendon dysfunction , was told that late last year. The history on this is that I have always pronated and had orthodics that I was fitted for in the late 80s due to what was diagnosed as "tendinitis" of the left ankle at that time. I wore them faithfully for several years and really should have kept it up and got a new pair but did not and I believe I am paying for that now. I say that as my ankle was stronger then. I had repeated ankle turns to that ankle prior to that and that caused some of the problem I am sure. and then since that time i have had that ankle turn also so it is a case of repeated injuries for me.

Then last year my back went out and that was a first for me. I think due to that I was walking differently , while recuperating. And in Sept. I found that my left ankle started to hurt. I turned it a couple times in autumn and the doctor suggested a flexible brace to protect it while I did strenghtening exercises. The chiropractor I go to for my back suggested an air brace and I was using that faithfully with my sneaks and also new orthodics that I was fitted for this year. It has got better but not fully and nowhere near where I'd like it to be. We went on a trip to Disneyworld in May and I wore the air brace with sneakers/orthodics most of the time and then at night if I was not doing walking I would wear a sandal with a flexible brace. That is what I still have been doing now that summer is here.

If I do not have the flexible brace on or airbrace, it is certainly not the ankle it once was before all this and I too wonder , will it ever be normal again. I am doing the exercises that they gave me , now more religiously than before and hoping that will help strengthen it.

I can fully relate to being anxious about it and wanting this to subside. They told me it could take a year for the ankle (or more) for it to be stronger.

Thanks for listening and also for making me realize I am not the only one with this thing!!
rmc

eko · 07-29-2004, 02:44 PM

I would like to know how can you stengthen your ankle if you are always wearing a brace? I had issues with ankle instabilty and surgery to correct it. I was told in PT, the more I wore the brace, the more dependent my ankle would become on it. I now only wear my brace when I am walking on rough terrain. Best wishes to all of you.