One of the most centrally located muscles in the human body is the posterior tibialis. The Posterior Tib originates on the inner border of the tibia and fibula and runs down and behind the medial malleolus before splitting and inserting into the navicular and medial cuneiform bones of the foot. It is the main stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch of the foot.

Despite its inferior location, the posterior tib plays a major role in the workings of the foot and ankle. It assists the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles with plantar flexion (rising up on your toes), it helps facilitate foot inversion and its most important job is to provide support for the arch of the foot.

A common problem associated with the Posterior Tibialis is Posterior Tibialis Tendon Dysfunction. When the tendon becomes inflamed or is ruptured either from a fall or through overuse, the arch of the foot falls. Rest, stretching and strengthening the area are the most common treatments for PTTD. More severe cases require special inserts for shoes and quite possibly a change in activities to ones that don’t place extra pressure on the foot and ankle.