Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD)
What is PTTD?![](https://firstaid4sport.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/posterior-tib-anatomy.jpg)
PTTD stands for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. The posterior tibial tendon is located in the inside of the ankle and is used as one of the main supports of the foot and arch. PTTD occurs when this tendon becomes damaged and is no longer able to support the arch, resulting in a flattening of the foot. This is usually as a result of overuse injury in which excessive activity which uses the tendon is undergone, putting added pressure on the tendon which it is unable to withstand. This makes the injury common in sports such as running, hiking and gymnastics.
PTTDs are common sport-related injuries to the ligament and usually come as a result of a twisting or pivoting force to the knee or from a direct impact to the area. This is a very common injury in field sports such as football, rugby and hockey due to the tackling and collisions involved. PTTDs are also common in basketball and netball when the knee twists after landing hard from a jump.
The severity of an PTTD can vary from partial damage or tearing to a complete MCL rupture.
PTTD Symptoms
Patients who suffer PTTD often feel pain in the inside of the foot and ankle which is accelerated when running, jumping or hopping. The patient may notice that the arch has become flatter and that their ankle begins rolling inward. It is common for the area to feel weakened and unable to bear weight in activities and it is likely that the patient will feel stiffness in the area which is most apparent in mornings. As this injury tends to come as a result of over use, pain is likely to increase gradually over weeks or months which may cause the area of pain to change from the inside of the foot to the outside and the toes may begin to turn outwards.PTTD Diagnosis
In order to diagnose PTTD a doctor will give a full examination of the area and an MRI may be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out any further injury or complications.PTTD Treatment
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