Tibialis Anterior Tendinitis

I developed tibialis anterior tendinitis on Monday of last week on a 6 mile hike.  I have not had any problems in the past even on longer trails (other than my feet hurting but no tendinitis).  Anyway, I have Merrell Moab boots and I bought them 1/2 size larger to avoid banging my toe against the toe box.  My feet were still sliding forward (especially my left foot) and I resorted to lacing the boots tighter.  This worked for the most part.  Apparently, I must have knotted the laces right over this tendon that day (I do not believe it was a cumulative affect).  So I did not hike for 4 days and then did 8.5 miles.  The pain came back and I will have to stay off until it is completely healed.  I looked up treatment, massage and taping for this type of tendinitis.  I will update this blog if any of this really aids in the healing process.  I am most curious about the KT taping.  I purchased the boots and Academy Sports in Cape Girardeau, MO.  The sole has already started to split on the left boot at the toe box on the left side.  I talked with a employee at Academy Sports yesterday and he said they had a 90 day return policy.  I am going to return the boots today and go one full size larger this time.  I have already purchased a pair of Merrell Moab Ventilator (shoes not boots) to keep the laces lower on my ankle (again 1 size larger than my street shoes).  I prefer the mid boot for ankle protection but it may not be that important for day hikes.  I will let you know if those shoes make a difference.