Services
Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders
Twisted, weak, or painful ankles and irritated tendons. We treat the injury and help prevent the next one. Available at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.
About ankle pain, instability, and tendon problems
Understanding ankle pain, instability, and tendon problems, and how we help.
Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders care is offered at 15 Neuhaus Foot & Ankle clinics across Middle Tennessee. Choose a clinic near you at the end of this page.
Your ankle is held together by ligaments and moved by strong tendons. A bad twist can stretch or tear a ligament, and repeated strain can irritate a tendon. If an ankle sprain never heals fully, the joint can feel weak and give way again and again.
This group covers sprains, chronic instability, tendon problems on the inside and outside of the ankle, and injuries to the joint surface and soft tissues.
- Kids & adultswelcome at every clinic
- On site X-raysfor fast answers
- 15 clinicsacross Middle Tennessee
Conditions we treat
8 conditions we care for at every clinic.
Not sure which one you have? You do not need to know. We will find the cause.
- Ankle Pain & Chronic Ankle Instability
- Ankle Sprains (Lateral and High / Syndesmotic)
- Ankle Ligament Tears & Joint Impingement
- Ankle Synovitis & Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus
- Posterior Tibial Tendinitis & PTTD (Tendon Dysfunction and Tears)
- Peroneal Tendinitis, Tendinosis, Tears & Subluxation
- Flexor & Extensor Tendon Injuries and Ruptures
- Foot & Ankle Bursitis, Muscle Strains & Soft-Tissue Injuries
Symptoms
Signs of ankle pain, instability, and tendon problems.
If you notice any of these signs, a visit can bring clear answers.
- 01
Pain, swelling, or bruising around the ankle
- 02
An ankle that gives way or feels wobbly
- 03
Pain along the inside or outside of the ankle that grows with activity
- 04
Clicking, catching, or a snapping feeling behind the ankle bone
- 05
Stiffness or a deep ache that does not go away after an old injury
Why it happens
Common causes of ankle pain, instability, and tendon problems.
- 01
Twisting or rolling the ankle
- 02
Sports and uneven ground
- 03
Old sprains that never healed well
- 04
Overuse of a tendon
- 05
Flat feet or high arches that change the load on the ankle
- 06
Weak muscles and poor balance
Diagnosis and care
How we treat ankle pain, instability, and tendon problems.
Step 1 · Diagnosis
We ask how the injury happened and test stability, strength, and balance. We check the ligaments and tendons by hand and use digital X-rays in the office to rule out fractures. When needed we order ultrasound or MRI to look at ligaments, tendons, and the cartilage of the joint.
Step 2 · Treatment
Most sprains and tendon problems heal without surgery. Care may include rest, a brace or walking boot, ice and compression, taping, custom orthotics, and guided physical therapy to rebuild strength and balance. Injections can calm an irritated joint or tendon sheath.
If an ankle keeps giving way, a ligament is torn, a tendon is ruptured, or the joint surface is damaged, our foot and ankle surgeons can repair or rebuild the structure, often with small cuts. We also plan your return to sport, step by step.
Recovery
What to expect.
A mild sprain may take two to four weeks, and a severe one longer. Tendon problems often need six to twelve weeks of care. After surgery, expect time in a boot followed by therapy. We give you clear goals so you know when it is safe to run and jump again.
When to book: See a podiatrist if you cannot walk normally, swelling stays after a few days, your ankle keeps giving way, or you have pain behind the ankle bone. Get care right away if you think a bone might be broken.
Prevention
Tips to keep it from coming back.
- Do balance and ankle strength exercises
- Wear supportive shoes for your sport
- Warm up before exercise
- Use a brace on uneven ground if you have had sprains
- Do not return to sport before the ankle is ready
What is a high ankle sprain?
A high ankle sprain, or syndesmotic sprain, injures the ligaments that hold the two lower leg bones together above the ankle. It usually takes longer to heal than a common sprain.
Why does my ankle keep rolling?
Ligaments that healed loose or muscles that are weak can leave the ankle unstable. Rehab, bracing, or repair can fix it.
Is PTTD serious?
It can be. The posterior tibial tendon supports your arch. Early care can stop the foot from flattening further.
Where we treat it
Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders care at 15 clinics.
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Brentwood10644 Concord Road
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Clarksville1762 Memorial Dr
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Columbia1215 Hatcher Lane
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Cookeville120 Walnut Commons Lane, Suite A
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Gallatin179 Hancock St, Suite 300
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Goodlettsville824 Wren Rd
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Hermitage3901 Central Pike, Suite 353
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Lebanon430 West Main Street
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Mount Juliet2628 North Mount Juliet Road
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Murfreesboro536 N Thompson Ln, Suite F
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Nashville300 20th Avenue North, Suite 103
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Pulaski306 South 7th Street
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Shelbyville120 Frank Martin Rd, Suite 200
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Smyrna693 President Pl, Suite 103
- Ankle Pain, Instability & Tendon Disorders in Waverly110 Hillwood Drive