The use of moderate-intensity, home-based stretching exercises or stretching and strengthening exercises that augment the use of an orthosis can significantly improve pain and function for people with stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction, according to recently published data.
A group of 36 patients with stage II tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction (TPTD) was divided into two groups, one for strengthening and one for stretching. The stretching group used a prefabricated orthosis in conjunction with strengthening exercises. The strengthening group used a prefabricated orthosis in conjunction with both stretching and strengthening exercises.
Outcome measures included a self-report as well as isometric deep posterior compartment strength. Differences were measured with a two-way analysis of variance at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after starting the programs.
The results showed significant improvements in pain and function for both groups during the 12-week trial period. The self-report measures showed minimal differences between the treatment groups and no difference was found in isometric deep posterior compartment strength.
Reference:
Houck J, et al. Foot Ankle Int. 2015; doi:10.1177/1071100715579906.
Disclosure: The authors report no financial disclosures.
