M76.822 Posterior tibial tendinitis, left leg

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Posterior Tibial Tendinitis, Left Leg (ICD-10: M76.822)

#### Summary
- Posterior tibial tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the posterior tibial tendon, which is located along the inner side of the ankle and foot. It primarily affects the left leg and can lead to pain and difficulty in movement, particularly impacting the ability to walk or stand for long periods.

#### Causes
- Overuse or repetitive stress on the posterior tibial tendon, particularly in activities involving high physical impact like running or jumping.
- Injury or trauma to the ankle or foot.
- Poorly supported footwear during physical activities.

#### Risk Factors
- Age, particularly middle-aged adults.
- Engaging in high-impact sports or physical activities.
- Obesity, which increases stress on lower extremities.
- Having flat feet or other foot abnormalities.

#### Symptoms
- Pain and swelling on the inside of the ankle.
- Difficulty in standing on toes.
- Increasing severity of pain with activity.
- Flattening of the arch in the affected foot over time.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination to check for tenderness, swelling, and foot deformities.
- Imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound to assess the condition of the tendon.

#### Treatment Options
- Rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the tendon.
- Ice application and anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the tendon and improve flexibility.
- Orthotics or supportive footwear to stabilize foot and ankle.
- Surgery may be considered in severe cases where conservative treatments fail.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate treatment, many people experience significant improvement, though it may take several weeks to months.
- Regular follow-ups are crucial to monitor progress and prevent recurrence.

#### Complications
- Chronic pain and dysfunction.
- Progressive flatfoot condition leading to further deformity and limitations.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary stress on the tendons.
- Wearing well-fitted and supportive footwear, especially during physical activities.
- Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities to prevent overuse injuries.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent pain and swelling that do not improve with rest.
- Sudden severe pain or inability to bear weight on the affected foot.
- Noticeable changes in foot shape or function.

#### Additional Resources
- [American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society](https://www.aofas.org/)
- [Foot Health Facts](https://www.foothealthfacts.org/)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate documentation of laterality (left leg) for correct coding.
- Avoid mixing up with similar tendon conditions; confirm through detailed medical records.

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