The Posterior Tibialis: The Most Underrated Muscle in Your Lower Body
ankle stability arch support foot mechanics foot strength heel raises knee pain posterior tibialis Oct 17, 2026
Your posterior tibialis might just be the most underrated muscle in your lower body.
What it does
Deep in the calf, it runs behind the inner ankle bone and attaches into the arch of your foot, acting like a sling that supports every step you take.
When it's strong, and when it's weak
When it's strong: your foot can load and unload efficiently, your arch stays supported, your ankle moves with control, and the rest of your kinetic chain (knees, hips, even your pelvis) has a solid foundation to work from.
When it's weak: you'll see the foot collapse inward, tension rise through the shin and calf, and compensations up the chain that show up as knee pain or hip weakness.
How to train it
Training the posterior tibialis isn't about isolation, it's about integration. Think of:
- controlled foot loading
- heel raises with intent
- single-leg balance work
- learning how to feel the tripod of the foot under you
Watch more
Lower Limb Series Part 2: Lower Limb Strength
Keep exploring
Want to learn more about the foot? Take a look at the 5 Week Functional Foot Course with Rali, try the free Spinal Health in Motion course, or move with me in Alchemy.
Check out all the ways you can learn with me.
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