If you are dealing with pain just above your ankle joint in your lower leg, you may assume that you’re just dealing with a mild shin splint issue, and for many patients, this may actually be the case. However, this is not the only issue that can develop in this area of the body. Another condition that may present just above the ankle joint is called Anterior Tibialis Tendonitis, and in today’s blog, we want to spotlight why it may develop and how you can work to effectively treat the problem.
Causes And Symptoms Of Anterior Tibialis Tendonitis
Your tibialis anterior tendon is located in your lower leg along the shinbone, and it is one of the largest tendons in your body, trailing only the Achilles and the posterior tibial tendon in size. It’s job is to help pull your foot up towards the knee as you walk. Without it, your foot would slap down as you walk as your heel strikes the ground. The tendon also assists with other movements and proves vital in helping you have a normal gait.
If the tendon becomes damaged or inflamed, a few different issues could develop in your lower leg and foot. The most common symptom is pain in the lower leg or just above the ankle joint, but other symptoms include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Inhibited range of motion
- Worsened gait
Moreover, what causes anterior tibialis tendonitis to develop in the first place? Like most cases of tendonitis, the most common culprit is overuse. When the tendon is subjected to repetitive motions and intense stress, it can become overworked and develop microtears. The body works to heal this damage by triggering an inflammatory response in order to protect the area from further damage, but this inflammation can also cause problems if there is already limited space for the tendon. The anterior tibial tendon is used to decelerate downward motion, so actions like hiking downhill, walking down a lot of steps or repetitive stopping and turning during athletics can all lead to tendon overuse.
Other potential causes include:
Trauma – Direct trauma to the area can cause the tendon to partially or fully tear.
Genetics – Certain foot shapes – particularly flat feet – can increase a person’s likelihood of overstressing the tendon.
Diagnosing And Treating Anterior Tibialis Tendonitis
Assuming tendonitis is the cause, he’ll likely walk you through a course of conservative treatment. Most patients can make a full recovery by pursuing a combination of non-operative techniques. Odds are you’ll be told to first focus on protecting the area to limit strain and provide an ideal environment for healing to take place. You will likely be told to rest and take some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, and a protective boot or splint may be recommended for additional protection. After a short while, you will transition to more proactive treatments that focus on strengthening the tendon and the supportive structures. Physical therapy will drive this recovery home before you are gradually reintroduced to normal physical activities and athletics. Most patients will make a full recovery within a few weeks to a couple of months.
Surgery oftentimes produces wonderful results but is rarely needed unless the tendon has suffered a significant tear or rupture. Following surgery you would pursue many of the previously listed conservative techniques, and you can expect to be back to normal activities within 6-12 months.