What treatment options are available for posterior tibial tendonitis?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Posterior tibial tendonitis is typically treated with a combination of rest, ice, physical therapy, and supportive orthotics or bracing to reduce strain on the tendon. Anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain and swelling, while more severe or advanced cases can require immobilization in a walking boot or surgical repair to restore function.

Because posterior tibial tendonitis shares symptoms with other foot and ankle conditions—like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, or arthritis—getting the right diagnosis is essential before starting treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand what may be causing your pain and guide you toward the appropriate next steps, whether that means home care or seeing a specialist.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing your ankle pain Discover if posterior tibial tendonitis fits See how serious your tendon pain is Find OTC pain relief options Find a foot and ankle specialist Understand medically valid home care options Check if your symptoms need care

Not seeing your question? No worries.

Submit your own Question

Explanation

Posterior tibial tendonitis is a condition where the tendon along the inner side of the ankle becomes inflamed or damaged. If you're experiencing ankle pain or discomfort, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to better understand your symptoms before consulting with a healthcare provider. Treatment options vary based on the severity of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing activities that cause pain can help the tendon heal.
Physical Therapy: Exercises can strengthen the muscles around the tendon and improve flexibility.
Orthotics: Special shoe inserts can support the arch and reduce strain on the tendon, especially in early stages.

Surgical Treatments

Surgery may be considered if non-surgical treatments do not relieve symptoms or if the condition is advanced. Surgical options aim to repair or replace the damaged tendon.

It's important to follow a healthcare provider's advice to choose the best treatment plan for your specific case.

(References)

Beals TC, Pomeroy GC, & Manoli A 2nd. (1999). Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: diagnosis and treatment. The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 10336306.
Gómez-Jurado I, Juárez-Jiménez JM, & Munuera-Martínez PV. (2021). Orthotic treatment for stage I and II posterior tibial tendon .... Clinical rehabilitation, 33040609.
Ikpeze TC, Brodell JD Jr, Chen RE, & Oh I. (2019). Evaluation and Treatment of Posterior Tibialis Tendon .... Geriatric orthopaedic surgery & rehabilitation, 30719400.

Thinking about asking ChatGPT?Ask me instead

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.