Tibialis Posterior

Overview

Tibialis posterior is a deep muscle in the back of the lower leg. Its tendon runs behind the inner ankle bone and fans into the midfoot. It helps control the arch and the foot’s position while you stand, walk and push off.

Key Role

• Helps support the medial arch during weight-bearing
• Turns the sole inward and assists with pushing the foot down
• Works with the calf and foot muscles to control single-leg stance and push-off

How It Is Usually Loaded

It is loaded with walking, running, hills, long standing and single-leg calf raises. Repeated pronation control can increase its workload, but foot shape alone does not diagnose a tendon problem.

Watch Out For

Persistent tenderness behind the inner ankle, a new change in arch shape, or difficulty completing a single-leg heel raise deserves an assessment. Numbness or burning into the sole can point toward nearby nerve irritation rather than the tendon alone.

Related Guides

• Posterior tibial tendinopathy
• Foot arches and midfoot bones
• Tibial nerve

References

1. StatPearls. "Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542160/

This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis.