Quick answer: Need a podiatrist’s opinion on this? Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 for same-week appointments in Howell or Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Most insurance accepted, including Medicare.
★ DR. TOM BIERNACKI, DPM, FACFAS · BOARD-CERTIFIED PODIATRIST
Medial Ankle Tendons: Quick Answer
The medial (inner) ankle has FOUR critical tendons that pass behind the medial malleolus through the tarsal tunnel: (1) posterior tibial tendon (most important — supports the arch), (2) flexor digitorum longus (FDL) — flexes toes 2-5, (3) flexor hallucis longus (FHL) — flexes the big toe, (4) posterior tibial neurovascular bundle (artery, vein, tibial nerve — not a tendon but runs with them). Mnemonic: ‘Tom, Dick, ANd Harry’ (Tibialis posterior, flexor Digitorum, Artery + Nerve, flexor Hallucis).
Common medial ankle problems: Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) — the leading cause of adult acquired flatfoot, presents with inner ankle pain + arch collapse + inability to do single-leg heel rise. FHL tendinopathy — common in ballet dancers and runners. Tarsal tunnel syndrome — tibial nerve compression in the tunnel, causes burning/tingling on the bottom of the foot. Each requires distinct treatment — getting the right diagnosis matters.
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. If 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
Schedule Your Consultation Today 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 are key 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:- Anterior talofibular ligament.
- Calcaneofibular ligament
- Posterior talofibular ligament.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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:- Superficial tibiotalar ligament.
- Deep tibiotalar ligament.
- Tibiocalcaneal ligament.
- Superficial tibionavicular ligament.
- Deep tibionavicular ligament.
2 Major Tendons In Ankle
There 2 major lateral ankle tendons:
- The Peroneus Brevis. This muscle is involved in everting & dorsiflexing the foot.
- 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.
Walk This Way: Trusted Foot & Ankle Information
Learn what’s hurting and how to fix it.
Athlete’s Foot
Ball of Foot
Achilles Tendon
Bunion
Big Toe
Callus
Foot Fungus
Gout
Ingrown
Orthotics
Outside of Foot Pain
Sports Podiatrist
Expert Care for Tendons in Ankle Injuries – Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield
Consult Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell and Bloomfield. Our experienced podiatric surgeons treat complex conditions involving the tendons in ankle injuries and specialize in advanced flatfoot reconstruction. With modern facilities, patient education, and compassionate care, we’ve become the trusted choice for foot and ankle surgery in Southeast Michigan. We’re committed to restoring your stride—comfortably and confidently. Book Your Podiatrist Visit Now
Understanding the Tendons in Your Ankle: Function, Injury, and Care
What are the main tendons in the ankle? The key tendons include the Achilles tendon, peroneal tendons, posterior tibial tendon, and flexor/extensor tendons—all crucial for movement and stability. What does the Achilles tendon do? It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and enables walking, running, and jumping by allowing the foot to push off the ground. What causes tendon pain in the ankle?Overuse, improper footwear, sudden increases in activity, or trauma can lead to tendonitis or tendon tears.
How can I tell if I’ve injured an ankle tendon?Symptoms include localized pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty bearing weight or moving the foot.
What’s the difference between tendonitis and a tendon tear?Tendonitis is inflammation from overuse, while a tear involves partial or complete rupture of the tendon fibers—often more severe.
How are ankle tendon injuries treated?Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, orthotics, and in severe cases, surgery may be recommended.
Can ankle tendon injuries be prevented?Yes—strengthening exercises, proper warm-ups, supportive footwear, and avoiding repetitive strain can help protect tendons.
How long does it take for ankle tendons to heal?Mild tendonitis may heal in a few weeks, while tears or chronic issues can take months and may require medical intervention.
Where can I get treatment for tendons in the ankle injuries? If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, or instability from tendons in the ankle injuries, the specialists at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist are here to help. Our clinics in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, provide expert diagnosis, advanced treatment options, and personalized recovery plans to restore strength and mobility. Schedule a visit today to get trusted care for ankle tendon injuries close to home.Related Treatment Guides
Ankle Tendon Pain or Injury?
The ankle has multiple critical tendons that can be injured. Our podiatrists diagnose which tendon is affected and provide targeted treatment for complete recovery.
📞 Or call us directly: (810) 206-1402
Clinical References
- Deland JT, et al. Posterior tibial tendon insufficiency: which ligaments are involved? Foot Ankle Int. 2005;26(6):427-435.
- Davda K, et al. Peroneal tendon disorders. EFORT Open Rev. 2017;2(6):281-292.
- Maffulli N, et al. Tendon disorders of the foot and ankle. Clin Sports Med. 2006;25(4):727-752.
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Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
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Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentPodiatrist-Recommended Products
🏆 Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Our top recommendation for reducing foot pain and inflammation naturally.
PowerStep Pinnacle Orthotic Insoles — Reduces mechanical stress on foot structures. Physician-grade arch support.
CURREX Support Insoles — Dynamic arch support in low, medium, and high profiles.
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
PowerStep Dynamic Ankle Stability Sock (DASS)
Best for: Chronic ankle instability · Repeat ankle sprains · Proprioception training · Athletes returning to play
A revolutionary alternative to bulky ankle braces. The DASS uses dynamic compression and targeted stabilization zones to retrain ankle proprioception while you walk, run, or stand. Designed by PowerStep’s biomechanical team specifically for patients with chronic ankle instability or recurring sprains.
- Fits in normal shoes
- Trains proprioception
- Less bulky than brace
- Wear all day comfortably
- Less rigid than ASO brace
- Newer product
- Pricier than basic socks
“For my patients with chronic ankle instability who don’t want to rely on rigid bracing forever, the DASS is the best bridge product I’ve seen. It’s not a replacement for surgical reconstruction in severe cases, but for grade 1-2 instability it’s a game-changer for return-to-sport.”
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
Dr. Tom’s Ankle Tendon Pain Protocol
- Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel — Pain along any ankle tendon (Achilles, peroneal, tibialis posterior, FHL): arnica + camphor gel applied directly to the tendon path 3-4x daily — targeted non-systemic anti-inflammatory support.
- PowerStep Maxx — Tibialis posterior tendon: PowerStep Maxx provides the maximum medial arch support that offloads the most commonly injured ankle tendon in overpronated patients.
- Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks — Ankle tendon pain with peritendinous swelling: graduated compression reduces the venous edema that chronically inflamed tendons accumulate during activity.
Ankle tendon pain worsening despite rest and anti-inflammatories? Tendon tear requires MRI and may need surgical repair. Balance Foot & Ankle → (810) 206-1402
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your ankle condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist?
If symptoms persist past 2 weeks, affect your normal activity, or are accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, redness, swelling, inability to bear weight).
What does treatment cost?
Most diagnostic visits and conservative treatments are covered by Medicare and major insurers. Out-of-pocket costs vary by your specific plan.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Most non-urgent cases see us within 5 business days. Urgent cases (sudden pain, possible fracture) typically same or next business day.
What is Foot pain?
Foot pain is a common foot/ankle condition that affects mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying cause is the first step in successful treatment. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle perform a hands-on biomechanical exam, review your activity history, and use diagnostic imaging when appropriate to identify the root cause—not just treat the symptom. Many patients have been told to “rest and ice” without a deeper diagnostic workup; our approach is different.
Symptoms and warning signs
Common signs of foot pain include pain that worsens with activity, morning stiffness, swelling, tenderness when palpated, and difficulty bearing weight. If you experience sudden severe pain, inability to walk, visible deformity, numbness or color change, contact our office the same day or visit urgent care—these can signal a more serious injury such as a fracture, tendon rupture, or vascular compromise. Diabetics with any foot wound should seek same-day care.
Conservative treatment options
Most cases of foot pain respond to non-surgical care: structured rest, supportive footwear changes, custom orthotics, targeted stretching and strengthening protocols, anti-inflammatory medications when medically appropriate, and in-office procedures such as ultrasound-guided injections. We also offer advanced therapies including MLS laser therapy, EPAT/shockwave, regenerative injections, and image-guided procedures. Treatment is sequenced from least invasive to most invasive, and we explain the rationale at every step.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is reserved for cases that fail 3-6 months of well-structured conservative care, when there is structural pathology (severe deformity, complete tear, advanced arthritis), or when imaging shows damage that will not heal without intervention. Our surgeons have performed 3,000+ foot and ankle procedures and prioritize minimally-invasive techniques whenever appropriate. We discuss recovery timelines, return-to-activity milestones, and realistic outcome expectations before any procedure is scheduled.
Recovery timeline and prevention
Recovery from foot pain varies based on severity and chosen treatment path. Conservative cases often improve within 4-8 weeks with consistent adherence to the protocol. Post-procedural recovery may range from a few days (in-office procedures) to several months (reconstructive surgery). Long-term prevention involves footwear assessment, activity modification, structured strengthening, and regular check-ins with your podiatrist if you have a history of recurrence. We provide written home-exercise plans and digital follow-up support.
Ready to feel better?
Same-week appointments available in Howell and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Book Your VisitGet Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
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.