Article Last Updated: December 1, 2024
Based on foot health facts Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition caused by changes in the tendon, impairing its ability to support the arch. This results in flattening of the foot.
Its cause is the overuse of the posterior tibial tendon and usually occur after activities that involve tendon, such as running, walking, hiking or climbing stairs or even gaining weight.
Ankle brace could be an answer for nonsurgical approaches to give your arch the support it needs.
Below are the top 5 of ankle braces recommended for those who have PTTD.
Inversion Control, Plantar Flexion, Eversion Control, Forefoot and Hindfoot Control, Low-profile, fits into almost any shoe
Designed for the treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD), or for early signs and symptoms of the adult acquired flat foot
Superior ankle support against sprains, strains and arthritic pain.
Top 5 Best Ankle Brace for PTTD
1. BioSkin Trilok Ankle Brace
PROS
- Good support and comfortable
- Breathable Design
- Soft protective layer
- Can be used on either foot with very slight adjustment
- Easy and adjustable tension on the TriLok strap
CONS
- Slight learning curve
- May stretch shoes out of shape
- No return policy
The compression of BioSkin TriLok Ankle Brace enhances your body’s circulatory processes.
Blood flow is increased and unwanted fluid is removed more efficiently because of the external pressure provided by compression.
The TriLok offers an innovative approach to relieving the pain associated with posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, or PTTD.
They key to the TriLok’s effectiveness is the patented, white FootLok Strap.
This strap mimics the posterior tibialis, the muscle/tendon structure responsible for lifting the arch of the foot.
When the posterior tibialis becomes weak or damaged, it loses its ability to lift the arch properly and allows the foot to begin to collapse.
Reminder: wear the white footlok strap on the inside of your ankle. When attaching the velcro tab, point this toward the inside of your foot and then wrap the strap around and attach to the inside of your ankle.
2. Aircast Airlift PTTD Ankle Support Brace by Aircast
PROS
- Accomodates variances in arch shapes and heights to lift the foot arch to a more natural foot position
- Designed for easy application and adjustments
- Made of latex-free neoprene material
CONS
- No return policy
- Problem with sizes
The Aircast AirLift PTTD Ankle Support Brace is designed for the treatment of Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD), or for early signs and symptoms of the adult acquired flat foot.
Depending on the severity of your condition, it can be used as part of a conservative treatment to stabilize and help prevent its degeneration.
This ankle support brace is made of latex-free neoprene, and is designed for easy application and adjustment.
The innovative rear entry design allows you to slip your foot into the back of the brace. Simply adjust the 2 Velcro straps to secure the brace which eliminates time consuming lacing.
The Aircast AirLift PTTD accommodates variances in arch shapes and heights to lift the foot arch to a more natural foot position.
The air cell has been tested with 2,000 lbs. of pressure to withstand the force from running, jumping and landing, and other high-impact activities. The inflation of the air cell (located under the foot) can be adjusted while worn with the included hand bulb air pump.
3. Zenith Ankle Brace by Z Athletics
PROS
- Made from high quality neoprene and nylon.
- Fast relief of ankle pain
- 100% money back guarantee
- Easily adjust the tightness of the ankle brace
- Comfortable and True Fit
CONS
- A little bulky
- Problem with sizing
Zenith Athletics has developed a premium ankle brace that is guaranteed to solve your ankle aches and pains.
The quality neoprene and nylon materials allow for flexibility and support while keeping your feet dry, cool, and comfortable.
This ankle brace can be worn comfortably all day to provide you with exceptional relief from arthritis, tendon, and joint pain. Designed and crafted in order to fully suit your needs or requirements.
You will not find a better quality ankle brace on Amazon, guaranteed!
4. BraceAbility Rigid Hinged Ankle Stabilizer
PROS
- Premium grade neoprene padding
- Bilateral hinges
- Non-bulky type of ankle ankle brace
CONS
- sizes are smaller
The Rigid Ankle Support by BraceAbility has a non-bulky, semi-rigid shell along your ankle and bilateral hinges to help prevent further injury and protect against inversion (supination) and eversion (pronation) movements while allowing normal ankle function.
The Hinged Ankle Brace is specifically designed to provide gentle ankle immobilization and protection from ligament damage, posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD), sprains, rolls and instabilities.
This ankle brace offers maximum support and protection, withstanding the impacts and demands of competitive play, so you can play without fear of re-injury.
It has an Open-heel design which prevents from pinching and discomfort often associated with closed-heel ankle braces and lace-up ankle guards.
5. Vive Sprained Ankle Brace
PROS
- Versatile design that allows the brace to be worn on any foot
- Lightweight to enhance comfort and make it suitable for everyday use
- Offers a slim fitting neoprene blend that provides great support
CONS
- Too bulky thus requiring the user to acquire a bigger shoe
- This ankle brace doesn’t fit all foot sizes
The Vive ankle brace provides additional stability and ankle support, the heavy duty ankle brace reduces the risk of re-injury. It has adjustable contoured design for greater stability.
This ankle brace is constructed with a lightweight, breathable neoprene that is held securely in place with extra strong fasteners.
The versatile ankle brace can be work on either foot and is great for active individuals as well as those with weak or sore ankles.
FAQ’s
Do Orthotics help posterior tibial tendonitis?
Yes, your physical therapist will perform an orthotics or shoe inserts to help reduce your pain and enhance your mobility. Orthotics for posterior tibial tendonitis raise the medial arch on your foot, reliving your tibialis posterior tendon from stress and strain.
What is an Arizona brace used for?
The Arizona Brace is designed to treat posterior tibialis tendon dysfunction (PTTD). It is the most effective PTTD treatment and the best alternative to a surgical operation.
Arizona brace comfortably fits into a shoe, which when worn, stabilizes the ankle and joint areas (talocalcaneal, midtarsal and subtalar joints).
What is posterior tibial tendon dysfunction?
Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is a condition that impairs the ability of the tendon to support or raise the arch.
This usually results in a flat foot. PTTD, also known as Adult Acquired flatfoot is most prevalent among adults.
Can I exercise with posterior tibial tendonitis?
Yes, exercise is an effective way to treat Posterior Tibial Tendonitis. These exercises are designed to stabilize your ankle and foot, removing stress and strain of posterior tibialis tendon.
Furthermore, the exercises help to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and ankle’s range of motion (ROM).
Is there a cure for posterior tibial tendonitis?
Posterior tibial tendonitis patients can be cured using braces and orthotics.
However, if the two methods aren’t effective, the patient might resolve to surgery. Often times, the surgery may only involve taking off the damaged tissue or repairing the tears.
Conclusion
Conservative treatment is initially indicated for nearly all patients before surgical management is considered.
However, this is dependedt on how far the condition has advanced and whether the condition is traumatic or degenerative. Your doctor may prescribe a course of anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and pain or an ankle brace to help it recover.