Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: Spring Ligament Tear is a common foot/ankle topic that affects many patients. The 2026 evidence-based approach combines proper diagnosis, conservative-first treatment, and escalation only when needed. We treat this regularly at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills practices. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically Reviewed | Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM | Board-Certified Podiatrist | Balance Foot & Ankle, Michigan | 5,000+ patients/year
The most important clinical decision with Spring Ligament Tear isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
The most important clinical decision with Spring Ligament Tear isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
What Is the Spring Ligament?
The spring ligament (plantar calcaneonavicular ligament complex) is a critical static stabilizer of the medial longitudinal arch. It spans from the calcaneus to the navicular, cradling the talar head. It works in concert with the tibialis posterior tendon to maintain arch height.
Causes of Spring Ligament Tears
Spring ligament tears most commonly occur in the setting of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction — as the tendon weakens, excessive load transfers to the spring ligament, eventually causing elongation and tearing. Acute tears can also occur from high-energy trauma. Obesity, diabetes, and inflammatory arthritis are risk factors.
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness at the inner ankle/arch (medial to the subtalar joint), swelling, arch flattening, hindfoot valgus, progressive flatfoot deformity, and difficulty with single-leg heel raise. Symptoms often overlap with tibialis posterior dysfunction — both are frequently present together.
Diagnosis
MRI is the best tool for visualizing spring ligament tears — it shows the ligament fibers, any elongation or disruption, and associated tendon pathology. Ultrasound is an emerging alternative. X-rays show arch collapse and hindfoot valgus alignment.
Treatment
Conservative: Custom orthotics with arch support, ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), physical therapy. Surgical: Spring ligament reconstruction or imbrication combined with calcaneal osteotomy and FDL tendon transfer when the tibialis posterior is also failed. Isolated spring ligament repair without addressing associated deformity has high failure rates.
FAQs
Is a spring ligament tear different from a flatfoot? Spring ligament insufficiency is often the underlying cause of adult-acquired flatfoot. Treating the flatfoot deformity requires addressing both the spring ligament and the tibialis posterior tendon.
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PubMed: Spring Ligament Complex — Anatomy and Pathology
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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.