Tendonitis in the foot is a common problem amongst hard working people. This is a classic overuse injury and affects a particular tendon in the foot, the posterior tibial tendon. This tendon helps to hold the arch of the foot and prevents your feet from rolling in too much. Symptoms include pain in the in step of the foot, especially along the course of the tendon. Pain and swelling behind the inner ankle bone may be present and there also may be burning, tingling, shooting or stabbing pain present in the foot. This is due to the inflammation of the nerve that surrounds the tendon.

Pain will be increased while walking, which will be more severe at the end of the day. The patient may also experience pain when their foot is pushed up towards their body. If the tendon is ruptured, there may be a pronounced flat foot deformity. If a patient is asked to stand on their toes, intense pain will be present in the arch of the foot. The primary cause of tendonitis is over pronation. This can be controlled via insoles.

The use of foot orthotics has been researched and tested by leading institutions around the world, and is widely accepted in the medical community. Foot Orthotics/ Foot Insoles are used in both public and private hospitals and clinics.

Clinical studies and field research verify the value of orthotics in relieving tendonitis and improving structural integrity. Flexible orthotics control foot and leg motion without restricting function and creating compensatory movement in other structures.

Sources:

American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists

Anthony RJ (1991) The Manufacture and Use of Functional Foot Orthoses.

Valmassey R (1998) Clinical Biomechanics of the Lower Extremity.Whing W , Zernicke R(1998). Biomechanics of Musculoskeletal Injury.

Nigg BM, Nurse MA, Stefanyshyn DJ: Shoe inserts and orthotics for sport and physical activity. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 31(suppl):S421-S428 1999

Williams DS, McClay IS, Hamill J: Arch structure and injury patterns in runners. Clinical Biomechanics 16:341-347 2001

Traditional Treatment

Insoles have been used for years to help people with tendonitis. Traditionally when we think of insoles or orthotics we think of a hard plastic insert that is placed in the shoe. It cups the heel and supports the arch but because it is not flexible it does not extend the full length of the foot. This tends to make this type of orthotic uncomfortable, and ineffective for many people.

It also repositions the arch using "brute force." Because it is not flexible it forces the arch into it's correct position but does nothing to relieve the pressure that is forcing the arch to collapse, causing tendonitis, in the first place. This type of hard plastic orthotic can actually cause increased pain in patients, which is the reason why we have recommended the Dr Foot Sport Insoles for the treatment of tendonitis. They provide a flexible yet incredibly supportive and stable treatment option.

Tendonitis is caused by the over-stretching or straining of the Posterior Tibial Tendon located on the inside of the foot near the arch and the inside of the ankle. The condition is most often associated with flat feet where excessive pressure
is put on the tendon.

Insoles (Orthotics) will substantially improve the posture of the foot while reducing pressure on the tendon and relieving the associated discomfort.

Dr Foot's Insoles work wonders on problem-prone feet. These Insoles are biomechanically engineered to help relieve tendonitis. The contoured shape supports your feet in two directions, both lengthwise and across the arch, for maximum relief of pain and fatigue.

The special poron heel cushion and the comfortable arch support helps to reduce shock absorption and fatigue. Dr Foot Insoles are engineered to combat over pronation and provide greater stability and maximum support. They are ideal for patients seeking arch support for prevention and treatment of tendonitis.