Orthotics - Sneaker Question - healing from severe tibial tendonitis nearly Grade III ....

[Jibs1]

After partially recovering from an almost Grade III Tibial Tendonitis dx'd 4 yrs ago, that included failed physical therapy and 2yrs wearing a splint at night,  I want to try to try wear a good non-high top sneaker with my orthotics and in doing so, have encountered excrutiating pain and two pairs of returned New Balance sneakers. Awful pain in achilles tendon felt deep into the heel bone that gets much better after the joint seems to 'crack".  NB 927 and 660's were not good sneakers for me.  Along with this pain, those sneakers aggravated a 35yr old ligament tear/scar tissue that the MRI showed causes inpingement of the scar tissue and ongoing pain to the outside of the ankle. I've had many cortisone shots that have helped that issue.   My current high top sneakers don't cause any of this pain.  It's frustrating and disappointing.  Current trial pair of sneakers is now the NB623 but I've backed off since prior pain and back in hightops for relief w/orthotics.

They tell me at the sneaker store I shouldn't have to be in a high top (I was born with severely flat feet) -- Will see my Orthopedist for sure as I am not finding any success.  The pain is almost gone when back in the hightops,  but persists up/down the stairs in the AM .  I love my orthotics and in my high tops don't even know they are there and have been wearing them with complete success for 4 yrs now.

Thanks for your thoughts.  Especially on the sneaker situation.

[Jibs1]

Thank you so much!  If I have to return to P/T, I'm much more encouraged--  hearing the advances in treatment!!!

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

Comfort..Comfort...Comfort...Severe tibial tendonitis as you have written can sometimes be a nagging injury.  As you described a grade 3 means you had some type of tearing, bleeding, regeneration and scarring.  Which causes stiffness,, tightness and pain during the recovery process.  Sneakers and shoes play a major role, especially if you have a biomechanical disorder like flat feet.  Orthotics are very helpful as well for daily comfort.  As for changing shoes or increasing activity I suggest you seek a strong foot and ankle specialist in your area that deals with high level athletes.  Our PT modalities and treatment have progressed much further in the last 5 years.  Class IV Laser get's tremendous results with all tendonitis' and helps decrease existing scar tissue.  When the scar tissue is reduced you can begin to work on flexibility and progress to strengthening.  It is a long process, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.  Best in health,  JAG

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

Good Luck and Good Health!! JAG

[Jibs1]

Your reply inspired me to try phys therapy again.  I start tonight with a consultation visit and then therapy 3X a week for 6 weeks.  We know it's not a cure, but unless we try my Dr said we'll never know how much it may help.   It's for Fibromatosis, plantar fascial this go-around.

J