Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

posterior tibialis pain with orthotics

Recently, I was prescribed orthotics (I've worn them for years, this was a new pair), and the lady who made them added what seems like a high arch. They have been causing my posterior tibial tendons to flare up, and the only relief I get is from removing them. She insists I need this support, but my other orthotics from years past have not had such a high arch, etc. I have a leg length difference, and had to convince her to put a lift on one side. I have the sensation of pressing down on the inside of my foot/ankle as I walk. She now has me using a lateral post, but I still have the tendon pain, and it will not go away while i wear the orthotics. Are they worng for me? Is the arch too high? Thanks in advance.
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
681547 tn?1227145974
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
plaster casted orthotics are better fitted than foam impression ones.  a medial flange would help take weight off the inner portion of the foot better than a lateral post.  typically, a lateral post shifts more weight to the inner foot area.  if you pronate a lot and have tibialis pain, a ritchie brace or arizona brace would hold the medial ankle more upright, whereas an orthotic has limits for doing so.  it would be difficult for me to assess your orthotics w/o seeing them.  if they continue to hurt, i would get it re-evaluated.  again, orthotics shouldn't hurt after a few weeks.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi Yena, thanks for your reply. I wasn't plaster casted for these, she did a foam impression while I sat. The purpose of the lateral post was to try and shift my weight towards the outside of my foot, because I had the sensation of landing with more of my weight on the inside of the foot as I walked. Do you think this means the arch is not high enough, or too high?
Helpful - 0
681547 tn?1227145974
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
orthotics should not hurt...especiallly if you have worn them before.  
i would give it another week.  if you continue to have pain, speak to the clinician again.
if she refuses to help you, get a second opinion from a podiatrist who is experienced in biomechanics and orthotic casting.
typically for tibiallis pain, a patient should be casted with plaster for orthotics.  there should be a deep heel cup with a medial and lateral flange.  a lateral post would make you put more strain on the inner ankle and tibialis tendon.  i am not sure if this is a good modification for you.  if you were plaster casted with the foot at neutral, it would capture your natural arch b/f you put weight on the foot. so, it really wouldn't be too high for you.
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Foot Care (Podiatry) Forum

Popular Resources
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.