Advice on Foot Care

Christopher Hanewinckel/US Presswire

San Diego Padres pitcher, Jake Peavy, was placed on the disabled list on June 13th (retroactive to June 9th) after an MRI revealed a tear in his posterior tibialis tendon. Peavy originally hurt his ankle during a May 22nd game, running the bases and trying to score. He was initially diagnosed with an ankle strain and the medical staff treated him for ankle tendonitis. After the MRI revealed the true nature of Peavy’s condition, he was placed in a walking cast boot, which he only removes for ultrasound treatments. The 15-day timeline is an unrealistic time frame for healing. Trainer Todd Hutcheson admits it will more likely be 8-12 weeks for full recovery. Peavy is scheduled for an MRI today and checkup with the team’s orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Steven Copp.

The posterior tibialis tendon starts in the back of the leg and courses along the inside of the ankle, attaching to the navicular, a prominent bone at the inside of the arch. The main function of the posterior tibial tendon is to maintain and support the arch, but the tendon is also a powerful plantarflexor, helping to propel the body forward when walking. When the posterior tibialis tendon is torn, it becomes weak and cannot functioning properly. The arch is no longer maintained and arch collapse will eventually occur if the tendon tear is not treated properly. Jake Peavy’s MRI revealed a longitudinal tear of his posterior tibialis tendon. A longitudinal tear generally occurs at the ankle, where the tendon is subject to prolonged mechanical irritation as it changes course down the leg and redirects toward the arch. Initially, the irritation may cause microscopic tears and inflammation, known as posterior tibial tendonitis. This can causes weakening of the tendon and further tearing can result. If the problem is not addressed properly and immediately, the microtears will not heal, chronic inflammation will develop and the result is degeneration (deterioration) and elongation (lengthening) of the tendon. Once the tendon has lengthened and lost strength, it can no longer support the arch and eventually the arch collapses. This results in a chronic condition called adult acquired flatfoot. Jake Peavy is still in the early stages of recovery and the Padres have given every indication that they will allow him the appropriate amount of time to heal. The Padres are not expected to rush him back just so he can make a few starts before the end of July.

More information and images on posterior tibial tendonitis.
More information on adult acquired flatfoot.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS