Short answerThe tibialis posterior tendon plays an important role in supporting the medial arch of the foot. Pain along the medial ankle, fatigue during prolonged walking, and arch collapse may be seen. HILT data specific to this condition is limited; 980 nm is an adjunctive option that receives indirect support from general tendinopathy data.
Symptoms
Pain along the medial ankle and arch, difficulty rising onto the toes on a single foot, and foot flattening in advanced cases may be seen.
980 and 1470 nm
980 nm is a more suitable adjunctive wavelength for the course of the tendon. 1470 nm has a superficial thermal character; direct clinical evidence is lacking.
Scientific evidence
Evidence level: C. Although the general tendinopathy meta-analysis is positive, specific RCT data for the tibialis posterior is insufficient.
Our approach in our Bodrum clinic
Tendon stage, foot arch, single-leg heel raise test, and imaging when necessary are evaluated. Laser is added to strengthening, footwear/orthotics, and load management.
References
- PMID 41964853 — HILT tendinopathy meta-analysis.
