Foot muscle pain is mostly a symptom of posterior tibial tendonitis. This is an uncommon foot problem, which means majority of people have not actually experienced this type of discomfort. A person who has this type of condition complains of pain or discomfort on the inside of his foot or ankle causing them to limp. When the posterior tibial tendonitis gets inflamed or the tendon ruptures, it may possibly lead to serious foot problem.
One way to check if you have posterior tibial tendonitis is to get an MRI to detect ruptures and inflammation of the tendons.
Traditional treatments for foot muscle pain include walking boots and shoe inserts. These shoe inserts or walking boots have a firm platform for the foot which prevents movement of the midfoot and hindfoot. When these parts are not constantly moved there is a significant decrease in the inflammation. Some would go through the hassle of putting a cast to make sure that the tendons are properly-rested.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also be used for posterior tibial tendonitis. However, in severe cases, surgery may be needed. Surgery has several variations, depending on the severity of the condition. For early stages, the surgeon would usually require debriding or cleaning the tendons. When the posterior tibial tendon is damaged, then reconstruction is oftentimes performed. During this procedure, a nearby tendon which is called the flexor digitorum longus replaces the broken posterior tibial tendon. It will take around eight weeks for the tissues to heal after surgery. You will be placed in a cast and will definitely use crutches to support your weight when walking or standing. The stitches will be taken off about 10 to 14 days; however, this need not be the case if your surgeon will use dissolvable stitches.
You may also be requiring the services of physical therapist up to four months. Massage, ice, and whirlpool treatments are usually used to control pain and swelling, and these as well helps heal and strengthen the tendons.
So the next time you feel foot muscle pain or discomfort, seek medical advice immediately. Who knows? Foot muscle pain may already be a symptom for posterior tibial tendonitis.