Anterior Tibial Tendonitis Treatment in Beverly Hills
The anterior tibial tendon lies on the inner-front of the ankle. The muscle for the tendon lies on the front of the shin. The muscle and tendon act to flex the foot upwards when walking. Without this tendon, the foot and toes would drag on the ground when the foot follows through during gait.
Anterior tibial tendonitis is in an inflammation of the tendon from injury by trauma or overuse over time. Left untreated, tendonitis can lead to split tears and thickening within the tendon and further damage and pain. In some cases of major trauma, this tendon can rupture. Diagnosis is made by a careful clinical examination and an in-office diagnostic ultrasound or MRI.
Patients may complain of a deep achy pain and or weakness on the front of the ankle with walking or activity. The tendon can become strained or frayed or torn and split or ruptured. In some patients with nerve damage, the muscle can become weak leading to a “drop foot.” Those patients with high arched foot types are more prone to anterior tibial tendon damage.
When diagnosed early, anterior tibial tendonitis can be treated conservatively with complete rest of the tendon in a special walking boot and physical therapy. Custom molded orthotics can redirect the pull on the tendon and support the arch to help prevent recurrence.
In chronic cases, Dr. Soomekh may offer platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment can stimulate the tendon and promote healing.
Some cases will require surgical repair of the tendon. Surgery will remove any damaged portion of the tendon and repair any splits and tears. In cases of a complete rupture, surgical repair is always indicated. Patients with permanent weakness of the muscle and tendon may require a special brace to support the drop foot or surgery to redirect another tendon to the top of the foot to flex the foot upwards. In severe cases, the tendon may need to be augmented with donated human tendon, PRP, and stem cells.
