GENERAL INFORMATION
The tibialis posterior is a muscle located in the deep posterior compartment of the lower leg. It plays a vital role in supporting the arch of the foot, controlling pronation (inward rolling) of the foot as well as providing stability during walking, running as well as jumping.
ORIGIN
The tibialis posterior muscle originates from the posterior surfaces of the tibia and fibula, as well as the two bones of the lower leg.
INSERTION POINT
The tibialis posterior muscle inserts into multiple sites on the foot, as well as including the navicular bone, several cuneiform bones as well as the bases of the second, third and fourth metatarsal bones.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The thigh tibialis posterior muscle receives its blood supply from branches of the posterior tibial artery, as well as including the posterior tibial recurrent artery.
NEURAL INNERVATION
It is innervated by the tibial nerve, which arises from the sciatic nerve. The tibial nerve provides motor innervation to the tibialis posterior, allowing it to contract as well as produce movement.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points in the muscle can develop, typically causing pain and tension in the foot as well as the lower leg. These trigger points may be associated with excessive muscle tension or overuse.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the muscle involves the shortening or contraction of the muscle. This function is primarily responsible for plantar flexion (pointing the foot downward), inversion (turning the sole inward) as well as supporting the arch of the foot.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the muscle refers to the controlled lengthening of the muscle while resisting an external force. It is involved in movements such as controlling dorsiflexion as well as eversion of the foot.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the muscle involves contracting the muscle without any change in length. Isometric contractions of the tibialis posterior occur during activities that require maintaining the position of the foot as well as supporting the arch.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Musculus tibialis posterior
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscle to the tibialis posterior is the tibialis anterior muscle. The tibialis anterior is responsible for dorsiflexion and inversion of the foot. It also opposes the actions of the tibialis posterior.
COMMON INJURIES
- Tibialis posterior tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse or repetitive stress.
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD): A condition characterised by degeneration or dysfunction of the tendon, leading to flattening of the arch as well as foot instability.
- Shin splints: Pain and inflammation along the shinbone, often associated with excessive stress on the tibialis posterior as well as other muscles in the lower leg.
EXERCISES
- Heel raises: Performing calf raises while focusing on engaging the muscle to strengthen the muscle and support the foot arch.
- Inversion exercises: Performing exercises that involve turning the sole inward against resistance to target the tibialis posterior.
- Balance exercises: Engaging in balance exercises that challenge the foot’s stability and activate the tibialis posterior muscle.
STRETCHES
- Calf stretches: Stretching the calf muscles can indirectly stretch the muscle.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Stretching the plantar fascia indirectly stretches the muscle.
- Inversion stretch: Gently turning the sole outward (eversion) to stretch the muscle.