The tibialis anterior tendon attaches a muscle in the front of your shin to the front of your foot.
If the tendon tears, it can cause pain and trouble doing normal activities like walking and running.
The muscle also pulls your toes and foot inward (inversion).
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Tibialis Anterior Rupture Causes and Grading
A tibialis anterior rupture is a rare injury.
It is the third most common lower extremity tendon tear after theAchilles tendonand thepatellar tendon.
This places the tendon on maximal stretch, causing it to tear.
A healthcare provider can do tests to diagnose the injury and recommend the best treatment.
The “gold standard” test for diagnosing an anterior tibialis rupture ismagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
These strategies protect the injured tissues and promote healing.
Your provider may have youwear a braceto keep your foot and ankle still for a few weeks.
Sometimes, a neighboring tendon (the extensor hallucis longus) is used to strengthen the repair.
Or, a harvested graft or cadaveric graft may be needed.
After surgery, you will likelynot be allowed to put weight on your footfor a while.
You may need to use awheeled walkerorcrutchesto get around.
Your foot and ankle will likely be immobilized in a cast or removable boot until it is healed.
If you need surgery, your rehab will start about four weeks after the procedure.
You may benefit from working with aphysical therapist (PT)during rehab.
A PT can assess your injury and guide you through your recovery.
There are several parts to rehab after an anterior tibial tendon rupture.
That means that you will not be able to place any weight on your foot.
During this first phase, your PT can teach you how to properly walk with crutches.
Your PT can help you make progress walking with crutches.
Typically, twocrutchesare used to start when you are non-weight-bearing.
Your PT may work with you to fine-tune your walking by using gait training techniques.
For example, they may have you step sideways or walk over and around obstacles.
Toe range of motion exercises and stretches can be done as well.
As you improve, more advanced strengthening can be done.
Massage can relax muscles and decrease swelling around your foot and ankle.
Manual resistance exercises help to improve muscle activation and strength.
Every person is different.
Your specific recovery could take longer or be shorter than someone elses.
If you have questions or concerns about your recovery, talk to your provider about them.
Summary
A rupture of the tibialis anterior tendon is a rare, but painful, injury.
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