Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction
(Acquired Flatfoot)
Tibialis Posterior Dysfunction (Acquired Flatfoot)
The tibialis posterior tendon is one of the major stabilising structures in the foot. It runs from the inside aspect of the ankle, from the medial malleolus, and inserts into the navicular. It supports the arch and helps to keep the foot turned inwards when walking. It can be damaged by wear and tear, and acute trauma. Initially pain is felt along the length of the tendon behind the medial malleolus but as the problem worsens, deformity can become apparent, the foot will flatten and start to turn outwards. Pain may occur on the outside part of the ankle and over time the joints can become affected and become arthritic.
Non-Operative Management
In the early stages of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction, the use of oral analgesics, orthotics and physiotherapy are useful, and a splint may be required. The use of injections with platelet rich plasma or with cortisone are also options and Dr Rao will explain all of these to you at your consultation.
Meet Dr Rao
Dr Rao is a Newcastle Orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in all aspects of foot and ankle surgery. He graduated from medicine at the University of Sydney and trained as an orthopaedic surgeon in Newcastle and also in Queensland.
He also undertook further training by way of fellowship with world famous Dr Terry Saxby in Brisbane in 2008. He has also conducted further training by attending numerous courses overseas, in Thailand, the USA and right across Australia.
