I would like to introduce you to a couple of friends today, Tom Dick and Not Harry. They can be found inside the inner side of your ankles. Tom Dick and Not Harry are indeed the mnemonics of the structures that can be found in the posterior tarsal tunnel which is behind your medial malleolus.
Tom Dick And Not Harry
T – Tibialis posterior tendon – responsible for plantarflexion, inversion, and supporting the medial arch
D – flexor Digitorum longus tendon – responsible for flexing the toes
A – posterior tibial Artery/vein – supplies blood and nutrients to the plantar surface
N – tibial Nerve - supplies the plantar surface
H – flexor Hallucis longus tendon – responsible for flexing the big toe
These structures are important for the plantar surface of our feet. If these structures are compromised, our gait might be affected. One of the common injuries to these structures is Posterior Tarsal Tunnel syndrome. Stay tuned for the symptoms and solutions next week!