What are the most common tendon injuries in the foot and ankle?

The Achilles tendon is the most frequently injured — both insertional and non-insertional tendinopathy are common in runners and middle-aged active adults. The posterior tibial tendon (PTT) is second most common, particularly in women over 40 — PTT dysfunction progressively flattens the arch and can lead to significant deformity if untreated. Peroneal tendons on the outer ankle are commonly injured in ankle sprains.

How is a tendon injury in the foot treated?

Mild tendinopathy responds to relative rest, eccentric strengthening, physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory care over 6–12 weeks. Partial tears may require immobilization in a boot for 4–6 weeks. Complete ruptures — such as Achilles tendon rupture — often require surgical repair in younger active patients. PRP injection is an option for chronic tendinopathy not responding to conservative care.

Can I walk on a torn tendon in my foot?

It depends on which tendon and the degree of injury. Partial tears are often initially walkable but painful — continued loading risks converting a partial to a complete rupture. Walking on a torn posterior tibial tendon progressively collapses the arch. Any suspected tendon injury should be evaluated promptly to prevent more extensive damage.

When should I see a podiatrist for a tendon problem?

See a podiatrist if tendon pain has persisted more than 2 weeks, if there was a sudden pop or giving-way, if pain alters your gait, or if swelling along a tendon is new and rapidly worsening. Chronic tendinopathy ignored often becomes a structural deformity. Balance Foot & Ankle provides tendon evaluation in Howell and Bloomfield Hills. Call (810) 206-1402.

Achilles Pain After Running 2026 | Podiatrist

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026

Achilles Pain After Running - Michigan podiatrist, Balance Foot & Ankle — Achilles Pain After Running treatment | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan

Quick answer: Achilles Pain After Running has multiple potential causes including mechanical, neurological, vascular, and inflammatory. The most common causes we identify are overuse, ill-fitting shoes, and biomechanical imbalance. Red flags requiring urgent evaluation: warmth/redness (infection), inability to bear weight (fracture), and unilateral swelling without injury (DVT). Call (810) 206-1402.

MICHIGAN PODIATRIST INSIGHT

The most important clinical decision with Achilles Pain After Running isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.

Achilles Pain After Running: 5 Causes + Fixes

Quick answer: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM specializes in post-run achilles pain treatment. Here’s what works.

Watch: Sports injury prevention & treatment

Treatment Approach

Eccentric calf strengthening, heel lifts, supportive shoes, anti-inflammatories. Shockwave therapy or PRP for stubborn cases. Surgery only as last resort.

Recovery Timeline

Most cases improve in 4-12 weeks with proper care. Chronic cases may take 4-6 months.

Schedule

Call (810) 206-1402.

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In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your Achilles tendon conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

OrthoInfo – AAOS: Achilles Tendinitis