Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) Treatment at Physiocare
Key Takeaways
✓ Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) progressively weakens the arch-supporting tendon, causing flat feet and ankle instability
✓ Early intervention with physiotherapy prevents surgical complications and restores normal foot function
✓ Advanced therapies like Shockwave, EMTT, and DNS accelerate tendon healing and improve biomechanics
✓ Physiocare’s multi-location Ottawa clinics offer personalized PTTD treatment plans with proven results
Physiocare's Experience in Action
Understanding Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
What Is Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction occurs when the tendon connecting your calf muscle to the bones inside your foot becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. This tendon plays a critical role in holding up your arch and supporting your foot during walking.
When damaged, the arch gradually flattens, altering your gait and placing abnormal stress on surrounding structures. PTTD is one of the most common causes of adult-acquired flatfoot deformity and significantly impacts mobility and quality of life.
Relevant Anatomy of the Posterior Tibial Tendon
The posterior tibial tendon originates from the tibialis posterior muscle deep in your calf. It travels down the inner ankle, passing behind the medial malleolus (ankle bone prominence), and attaches to several bones in the midfoot.
Key anatomical points:
- Supports the medial longitudinal arch (inner arch of the foot)
- Provides dynamic stability during the stance phase of walking
- Works alongside ligaments and other tendons to control foot pronation
- Vulnerable to overuse due to its position and constant load-bearing function
This tendon experiences significant stress with every step, making it susceptible to degeneration over time.
Causes and Mechanism of Injury
PTTD typically develops gradually rather than from a single traumatic event. Repetitive microtrauma and chronic overloading lead to tendon degeneration and eventual failure.
Common mechanisms include:
- Chronic overuse from prolonged standing, walking, or running
- Sudden increase in activity level without proper conditioning
- Inadequate footwear lacking arch support
- Biomechanical abnormalities causing excessive foot pronation
- Direct trauma or ankle injuries compromising tendon integrity
The condition progresses through stages, beginning with tendon inflammation and advancing to permanent structural changes if left untreated.
Risk Factors for Developing PTTD
Certain factors significantly increase your likelihood of developing posterior tibial tendon dysfunction. Understanding these helps in prevention and early intervention.
Primary risk factors:
- Being over 40 years of age (degenerative changes increase)
- Female gender (higher prevalence in women)
- Obesity (increased mechanical stress on the tendon)
- Pre-existing flat feet or high arches
- Diabetes (impaired healing and circulation)
- Hypertension (reduced tendon vascularity)
- Previous ankle or foot injuries
- Participation in high-impact sports without proper support
Individuals with multiple risk factors should prioritize preventive foot care and appropriate footwear.
Common Symptoms of PTTD
Symptoms typically develop gradually and worsen over time without treatment. Early recognition enables more effective conservative management.
Watch for these signs:
- Pain and swelling along the inner ankle and arch
- Flattening of the foot arch when standing
- Difficulty standing on tiptoes on the affected foot
- Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
- Outward rolling of the ankle (increased pronation)
- Weakness when pushing off during walking
- Tenderness when pressing along the tendon path
- Progressive difficulty with stairs and uneven surfaces
The hallmark “too many toes” sign—when viewing from behind, more toes are visible on the affected side—indicates significant arch collapse.
Complications If Left Untreated
- Permanent flatfoot deformity requiring surgical reconstruction
- Arthritic changes in ankle and midfoot joints
- Chronic pain limiting daily activities and mobility
- Compensatory problems in knees, hips, and lower back
Treatment at Physiocare for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction
Comprehensive Treatment Approach
At Physiocare, we address PTTD through evidence-based therapies that reduce inflammation, promote tendon healing, and restore proper foot biomechanics. Our multi-modal approach combines advanced technologies with hands-on techniques.
Advanced Therapies Available
Myofascial Release
- Releases fascial restrictions in the calf and foot muscles
- Improves tissue mobility and reduces compensatory tension
- Enhances circulation to promote healing
- Addresses trigger points contributing to pain patterns
Laser Therapy
- Accelerates cellular repair in damaged tendon tissue
- Reduces inflammation and pain at the molecular level
- Improves blood flow to the poorly vascularized tendon
- Non-invasive treatment with cumulative healing effects
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
- Provides immediate pain relief through nerve modulation
- Reduces reliance on pain medications
- Allows more comfortable participation in rehabilitation exercises
- Safe, non-invasive pain management option
IFC (Interferential Current Therapy)
- Penetrates deeper than TENS for tissue-level healing
- Reduces swelling and inflammation in the tendon sheath
- Promotes muscle re-education and improved circulation
- Effective for managing acute flare-ups
Shockwave Therapy
- Stimulates tendon regeneration through controlled microtrauma
- Breaks down calcifications and degenerative tissue
- Triggers growth factor release for accelerated healing
- Proven effective for chronic tendinopathy cases
Learn more about Therapeutic Shockwave Therapy and its powerful healing benefits.
DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- Gentle mechanical vibrations penetrate deep into tissue
- Reduces edema and accelerates waste removal
- Promotes pain-free tissue repair
- Particularly effective for inflamed tendons
Discover how Deep Oscillation Therapy enhances recovery.
DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Retrains optimal movement patterns from developmental positions
- Addresses core stability deficits affecting foot mechanics
- Improves coordination between foot and hip stabilizers
- Creates lasting biomechanical improvements
Radio Frequency (StimPod)
- Precise neuromuscular stimulation for muscle activation
- Addresses weakness in posterior tibial and intrinsic foot muscles
- Enhances proprioception and motor control
- Accelerates functional recovery
Explore Radio Frequency Therapy for targeted muscle strengthening.
EMTT (Storz – Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy)
- Advanced electromagnetic therapy promoting cellular regeneration
- Enhances metabolic activity in damaged tendon tissue
- Reduces pain and inflammation without medication
- Cutting-edge technology for stubborn cases
Learn about EMTT Therapy and its regenerative capabilities.
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy for PTTD focuses on reducing tendon stress, strengthening supporting muscles, and correcting biomechanical faults. Through targeted exercises and modalities, we promote tissue repair while preventing further degeneration.
Our interventions improve arch support, enhance ankle stability, and restore pain-free movement. Many patients experience significant relief within weeks, avoiding the need for surgery when treatment begins early.
Our Step-by-Step Approach
- Comprehensive Assessment
Detailed evaluation of your foot mechanics, tendon integrity, strength deficits, and movement patterns to create an accurate diagnosis and stage classification. - Personalized Treatment Plan
Customized therapy combining the most effective modalities for your condition stage, lifestyle needs, and recovery goals. - Evidence-Based Treatment Delivery
Progressive application of manual therapy, therapeutic modalities, and corrective exercises designed to heal tissue and restore function. - Recovery and Prevention Strategy
Education on proper footwear, activity modification, strengthening programs, and biomechanical strategies to prevent recurrence and maintain long-term foot health.
Location-Specific Treatment Options
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Nepean
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- Shockwave
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Carling
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Westboro
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- Shockwave
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Kanata
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- Shockwave
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
- EMTT (Storz)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Stittsville
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - Barrhaven
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- Shockwave
Physiocare Physiotherapy & Rehab Centre - South Keys
- Myofascial Release
- Laser
- TENS
- IFC
- Shockwave
- DOT (Deep Oscillation Therapy)
- Radio Frequency (StimPod)
Why Choose Physiocare for Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction?
Our physiotherapists hold advanced certifications in orthopedic and sports physiotherapy, bringing specialized expertise to complex tendon conditions like PTTD. We combine cutting-edge technologies with evidence-based manual techniques for superior outcomes.
As a leading physiotherapy in Ottawa provider, we prioritize your individual needs through patient-centered care plans. With six convenient locations across Ottawa, accessing expert PTTD treatment has never been easier—allowing you to focus on healing, not logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTTD
PTTD typically develops from chronic overuse and repetitive stress on the tendon, often combined with age-related degeneration, obesity, or biomechanical abnormalities causing excessive foot pronation.
Yes, most cases respond well to conservative physiotherapy when treated early. Advanced modalities, strengthening exercises, and orthotics can successfully manage PTTD and prevent progression to surgical stages.
Recovery timelines vary based on condition severity. Mild cases may improve within 6-8 weeks, while advanced stages require 3-6 months of consistent treatment and rehabilitation.
Treatment should not cause significant pain. While some therapeutic modalities may create mild discomfort, we adjust intensity to your tolerance and use pain management techniques throughout your care.
PTTD requires specialized assessment and targeted interventions. Our advanced technologies like Shockwave and EMTT, combined with biomechanical correction, offer new solutions that may not have been tried previously.
No referral is necessary. Our registered physiotherapists can assess and treat PTTD directly. However, we collaborate with physicians when medical imaging or co-management benefits your recovery.
Activity modification is essential. We'll guide you on safe exercises that maintain fitness without overloading the tendon, gradually progressing as healing occurs to restore full activity levels.
Supportive footwear with good arch support, firm heel counters, and adequate cushioning is crucial. Avoid flat, flexible shoes and high heels. We can recommend specific footwear and custom orthotics.
Many patients notice pain reduction within 2-3 weeks. Functional improvements and tendon healing continue progressively over months. Early treatment yields faster, more complete recovery than delayed intervention.
Most extended health insurance plans cover physiotherapy services. Coverage varies by plan, so verify your specific benefits. We provide detailed receipts for insurance submission and direct billing when available.
Our Professional Team at Physiocare
Prateeksha Viradiya –Physiotherapist at Physiocare in Ottawa Prateeksha Viradiya completed…
Prateeksha Viradiya
Registered Physiotherapist
Avneet Kaur – Registered Physiotherapist with Master's in Physiotherapy Experienced…
Avneet Kaur
Registered Physiotherapist
Harshitkumar Patel - Resident Physiotherapist at Physiocare in Ottawa Harshitkumar…
Harshitkumar Patel
Resident Physiotherapist
Sharri-Anne: Compassionate and Skilled Medical Office Administrator in Ottawa Sharri-Anne…
Sharri-Anne Parsons
Patient Experience Manager/Corporate Office Manager
Healing Hands, Happy Hearts: What Our Patients Say
Citations and References
- Physiopedia. (2024). Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.physio-pedia.com/Posterior_Tibial_Tendon_Dysfunction
- Bowring, B., & Chockalingam, N. (2010). Conservative treatment of tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction—A review. The Foot, 20(1), 18-26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foot.2009.11.001
- Mayo Clinic. (2024). Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/posterior-tibial-tendon-dysfunction/
- Kohls-Gatzoulis, J., Angel, J. C., Singh, D., Haddad, F., Livingstone, J., & Berry, G. (2004). Tibialis posterior dysfunction: a common and treatable cause of adult acquired flatfoot. BMJ, 329(7478), 1328-1333. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.329.7478.1328
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. (2024). Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity (Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction). Retrieved from https://www.aofas.org/footcaremd/conditions/ailments-of-the-ankle/Pages/Adult-Acquired-Flatfoot-Deformity.aspx
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