Muscles

Tibialis posterior

Plantarflexes and inverts the ankle; supports the medial arch.

Referred pain map

Tibialis posterior — trigger point deep in the mid posterior calf between the two heads of gastrocnemius, referring pain heavily to the Achilles tendon, mid-calf and the entire plantar surface of the foot, extending into the toes — a frequently missed source of 'plantar fasciitis' and running-related foot pain.

Overview

Plantarflexes and inverts the ankle; supports the medial arch. Trigger points here are common in everyday and athletic populations and frequently contribute to the referred pain patterns described below.

Trigger point locations

Deep posterior calf.

Referred pain pattern

Achilles area and plantar arch — a frequent driver of plantar fasciitis-like pain.

Palpation & testing

Palpate the muscle belly along its accessible course. Reproduction of the patient's familiar pain on palpation supports involvement.

Common causes

Overpronation, sudden mileage increase, flat-foot overload.

Self-care & clinical treatment

Arch support, foot intrinsic work. Clinically: needling and gait retraining.

Symptoms commonly linked

Plantar fasciitis-like pain
Arch pain
Heel pain

References

• Travell & Simons — Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction