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Tendons in Ankle Explained
Your Guide to Pain, Injury, and Recovery

Your ankle relies on a network of tendons—including the Achilles, peroneal, and posterior tibial—to support movement, absorb impact, and maintain stability. When these tendons are strained, inflamed, or torn, it can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Whether you're dealing with tendonitis, a sports injury, or chronic discomfort, understanding the cause and seeking proper treatment is key to recovery. At Balance Foot & Ankle, with trusted locations in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, board-certified specialists offer advanced, minimally invasive care tailored to your needs. From diagnosis to rehabilitation, their expert team is committed to helping you walk pain-free and confidently again

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Tendons in the Ankle: The ankle is a complex joint supported by a network of major tendons and ligaments that work together to provide stability, flexibility, and strength. Key tendons include the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel; the peroneal tendons, which run along the outside of the ankle and help with balance; and the posterior tibial tendon, which supports the arch of the foot. These tendons are essential for everyday movements like walking, running, and jumping—but they’re also highly susceptible to injury due to overuse, improper footwear, sudden twists, or repetitive strain. Ligaments such as the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular also play a crucial role in ankle stability and are commonly affected in sprains. Understanding which structures are most vulnerable can help you take preventive measures and seek timely treatment when pain or instability arises.

Tendons Vs. Ligaments In The Ankle:

  • Tendons: are muscular attachments to the bone.
  • Ligaments: are the attachments between bone and bone.

There are 5 Medial & 3 Lateral Ankle Ligaments

3 Lateral Ankle Ligaments:

  1. Anterior talofibular ligament.
  2. Calcaneofibular ligament
  3. Posterior talofibular ligament.

5 Medial Ankle Ligaments:

  • 1-2) Superficial & deep tibiotalar ligaments.
  • 3) Tibiocalcaneal ligament
  • 4-5) superficial & deep tibionavicular ligaments.

Lateral Ankle Ligaments

3 Major Lateral Ankle Ligaments

1. The Anterior Talofibular Ligament.

  • The anterior talofibular ligament is the most commonly damaged ligament in ankle sprains.
  • This ligament protects against inversion & plantarflexion.
  • If any ligaments are damaged during an inversion ankle sprain, this one is usually included!

2. The Calcaneofibular Ligament.

  • This is the second most common ligament damaged in any ankle injury.
  • This ligament protects against inversion & dorsiflexion.
  • If the calcaneofibular ligament is damaged, then the anterior talofibular ligament is also damaged.

3. The Posterior Talofibular Ligament.

  • The posterior talofibular ligament is rarely ruptured.
  • Both the calcaneofibular ligament & talofibular ligament will be damaged.

5 Major Medial Ankle Ligaments:

There are 5 medial ankle tendons:

  1. Superficial tibiotalar ligament.
  2. Deep tibiotalar ligament.
  3. Tibiocalcaneal ligament.
  4. Superficial tibionavicular ligament.
  5. Deep tibionavicular ligament.

2 Major Tendons In Ankle

There  2 major lateral ankle tendons:

  1. The Peroneus Brevis. This muscle is involved in everting & dorsiflexing the foot.
  2. The Peroneus Longus. This muscle is involved in everting & plantar flexing the foot.

Sprained Ankle Treatment:

  • These ligaments are all frequently involved in a sprained ankle.
  • Learn how to treat damage to these ankle tendons & ligaments.

The Complete Ankle Sprain Treatment Guide.

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tendons in ankle

Understanding the Tendons in Your Ankle: Function, Injury, and Care

The key tendons include the Achilles tendon, peroneal tendons, posterior tibial tendon, and flexor/extensor tendons—all crucial for movement and stability.

It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and enables walking, running, and jumping by allowing the foot to push off the ground.

Overuse, improper footwear, sudden increases in activity, or trauma can lead to tendonitis or tendon tears.

Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the foot.

Tendonitis is inflammation from overuse, while a tear involves partial or complete rupture of the tendon fibers—often more severe.

Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

Yes—strengthening exercises, proper warm-ups, supportive footwear, and avoiding repetitive strain can help protect tendons.

Mild tendonitis may heal in a few weeks, while tears or chronic issues can take months and may require medical intervention.