An ankle sprain is an injury to one or more ligaments in the ankle, usually on the outside of the ankle. Ligaments are bands of tissue—like rubber bands—that connect one bone to another and bind the joints together. In the ankle joint, ligaments provide stability by limiting side-to-side movement.

What is the Posterior Tibial Tendon?

The posterior tibial tendon is one of the most important supporting structures of the foot. It helps to stabilize the ankle and hold up the arch. If the posterior tibial tendon fails, the arch can collapse, leading to foot pain, ankle pain and difficulty walking. Posterior tibial tendonitis is a frequent cause of pain at the inside of the ankle.

San Francisco Ankle Injury Information

Ankle injuries are the most common of all sports injuries. In places like the San Francisco Bay Area, there any many outdoor activities and athletes who suffer ankle injuries of all types. By far the most common ankle injuy is an ankle sprain. Many ankle sprains can be treated at home with R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice applied to the ankle, Compression in a brace or ACE wrap, Elevating the ankle above your heart).

Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: a Pain in the Arch 

When you walk or run, your foot hits the ground, you pronate to absorb impact and then you supinate to push off again. All of this is possible because of a muscle in your leg call the tibialis posterior. This muscle deep in the back of your leg forms a tendon call the posterior tibial tendon that attaches to your foot. It attaches to the navicular bone in the instep of your foot, right at the top of your arch.

What is Chronic Ankle Instability?
Chronic ankle instability is a condition characterized by a recurring “giving way” of the outer (lateral) side of the ankle. This condition often develops after repeated ankle sprains. Usually the “giving way” occurs while walking or doing other activities, but it can also happen when you’re just standing. Many athletes, as well as others, suffer from chronic ankle instability. 

The ankle has 3 major bones, the tibia (the large inside "shin" bone), the fibula (the outside narrow bone), and the talus (the foot bone that fits inside the ball-and-socket joint). 

Three main ligaments, or straps, hold the ankle bones together:   

Anterior Talofibular
Calcaneal Fibular
Posterior Talofibular

When an ankle is sprained, the ligaments above can stretch, partially tear, or completely tear. Without proper treatment, the ligaments will not heal correctly and cause long-term ankle instability, pain, and arthritis. Immediate treatments focus on decreasing swelling.  

Book Online