Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
By Anna Hibschman Ferguson ·
Key Highlights
- Tarsal tunnel is a spot in your ankle. Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens when the tibial nerve gets pressed or squeezed there [1][2][4].
- When you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it may feel like pain, numbness, or tingling. Most people feel it at the inner ankle and the bottom of the foot.
- Things like flat feet, injuries, swelling, or big veins can cause this nerve compression in the tarsal tunnel. [1][2][4][5]
- A doctor may need to do several things to give an accurate diagnosis for tarsal tunnel syndrome. They may check by doing a physical exam, try Tinel's test, and, in some cases, look at your ankle with pictures such as an MRI. [1][2][4][6]
- If you want to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome, you can start with rest and cold packs. People also use physical therapy, special shoe insoles, or sometimes surgery, depending on how bad it gets. [1][2][4][5]
Introduction
If you feel sharp pain, feel numbness, or feel tingling in the ankle or foot, you may have tarsal tunnel [1][2][4]. This is one type of nerve pain. It can make it hard for you to walk or stand. You may feel that this stops you from doing your usual tasks every day. The reason for this pain is pressure on a main nerve that goes through what is called the tarsal tunnel, found in the ankle. It is good to know what causes these problems first so you can find ways that help you feel better. Now, let's see what tarsal tunnel is and what you get to do to help with these symptoms.
Understanding Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is when the posterior tibial nerve gets squeezed or is hurt. People also call this tibial nerve dysfunction [1][4]. The tibial nerve is in the medial ankle. It goes through a tight space named the tarsal tunnel.
When this nerve gets squeezed, it can bring a lot of pain. It can also change how your foot works [1][2]. In the next parts, we will look at the tarsal tunnel. We will talk about its shape and where it is in your foot. You will also see how the tarsal tunnel connects to other parts of the foot.
What Is the Tarsal Tunnel?
The tarsal tunnel is found on the inside of your ankle, right under the bony spot called the medial malleolus. It is like the carpal tunnel you have in your wrist. The tarsal tunnel helps several key things from your leg get to your foot.
The roof of this tunnel is made by the flexor retinaculum [1][6]. This thick band goes over the spot and helps keep everything inside safe [1][4][6]. On the bottom and on the sides, you will find ankle bones. These bones are the tibia, talus, and calcaneus.
This small spot with bones and bands holds many tendons, blood vessels, and the key posterior tibial nerve. The space in the passage of bones is tight. So, if there is any swelling or any change, it can push on the tibial nerve [1][6]. This pressure is what often brings on the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
How the Tarsal Tunnel Relates to Foot Anatomy
Your foot has many parts, and the tarsal tunnel is one of the important spots that helps the foot work the right way. Inside the tarsal tunnel, you have the tendons for several muscles. These include the tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and flexor hallucis longus [1][6]. The tendons in the tarsal tunnel help you curl your toes. They also help your foot keep a strong arch.
The posterior tibial artery, vein, and the posterior tibial nerve are in this area [1][6]. The posterior tibial artery and vein get blood to your foot. The posterior tibial nerve helps you feel and move the bottom of your foot. It gives feeling to your skin and works with small muscles there. The tibial nerve is also part of what goes on in this spot.
Just inside the tunnel, the tibial nerve often splits into three big parts. These are the medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, and the medial calcaneal nerve [1][6]. They let you feel things in your heel, arch, and toes. If there is pressure on the tibial nerve or any of its parts, you might feel signs of tarsal tunnel. The most common signs are pain or numbness in your foot, and this is because the nerves get pushed on.
Common Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
The symptoms of tarsal tunnel come from nerve pain and nerve compression. You may feel pain or feel that something is not right where the tibial nerve goes. This is usually on the inside of your ankle and on the bottom of your foot [1][2][4]. What you feel can be different from what other people feel. Still, there are some signs to look out for. A common sign is nerve pain and a throbbing feeling on the inside of your ankle if you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
We will talk about the signs that you might notice. This includes the first things you feel. It also covers more serious problems that can happen if you do not get treated.
Early Signs and Sensations
At first, you might feel small signs or feel unsure about them in your foot. This can happen near the inner ankle or along the arch of the foot. Most people feel these signs during physical activity like when you walk or stand for a long time. If you stop and rest, it helps. You will feel better once you have some rest.
Early on, you may feel things like this:
- You may get a tingling feeling or feel like "pins and needles" in your foot.
- There could be a burning feeling, often at the bottom of the foot [1][2].
- Some parts of your foot might feel numb.
- Sharp pains can come and go too.
These problems start when the tibial nerve is pressed. This can stop it from working the right way. It is important to see these signs early. If you do something about it and fix the issue now, you can stop the problem from getting worse.
Progression and Severe Symptoms
If you do not treat tarsal tunnel, the nerve compression can get worse over time. The pain and tingling may get stronger. They might stay for a longer period. In severe cases, these feelings could not go away at all [1][4]. You may feel them at night or while you are resting. This can hurt your sleep and change the way you live each day.
As the condition progresses, you might experience:
- The muscles in the foot can get weak over time.
- A person may feel it is hard to walk or do normal things every day.
- The smaller muscles in your foot can shrink or become less strong.
- The toes can get stuck, feel tight, or have trouble moving.
If you do not get help, the nerve will stay under pressure for a long time. This can lead to nerve damage that stays and cannot be fixed. That is why you need to see a doctor if your signs get worse or do not go away. A healthcare provider can help stop permanent nerve damage and save your muscle function.
Causes and Risk Factors
The main cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is when there is pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. This pressure leads to compression of the posterior tibial nerve. Sometimes, tarsal tunnel problems start for no clear reason. But many people get it because of things like the shape of the foot, injuries, or some medical conditions. They all can make the pressure inside the tarsal tunnel go up and cause problems with the tibial nerve.
Knowing some of the common causes and risk factors can help you find out if you are at risk for nerve compression. Let’s talk about what often causes this painful problem.
Typical Causes of Nerve Compression
Tibial nerve entrapment can happen for a few reasons. Most of the time, it starts when something is inside the tarsal tunnel. This tunnel is small and gives the tibial nerve little space [1][2]. If the soft tissue in the area gets puffy or there is swelling, it can push on the tibial nerve. This pressure can make the tarsal tunnel hurt.
According to a study found in StatPearls, up to 43% of people who deal with tarsal tunnel issues had an injury in that area before [1]. There are several common things that can make tarsal tunnel problems happen:
- Injuries: Things like ankle sprains or bone breaks often make the area swell. This swelling puts extra fluid near the tibial nerve, which can squeeze it.
- Growths: Some growths like ganglion cysts or feel-like bumps, and bone spurs, may press against the tibial nerve [1][2][6].
- Varicose Veins: If the veins are puffy and large near the nerve, they use up more space. This can lead to less room for the tibial nerve in the tunnel.
- Tendon Inflammation: Tenosynovitis happens when the cover around a tendon gets puffy and swollen. This can press on the tibial nerve.
Sometimes, surgery can cause scars that trap the tibial nerve. You need to know the exact cause of the problem, so you can get a treatment plan that works best for you and your tibial nerve entrapment.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some people are more likely to have tarsal tunnel because of how their foot is shaped or their health. A big risk is having flat feet. When the arch of the foot drops down, the tibial nerve can be stretched near the medial malleolus. This can make the nerve feel sore or pressed over time.
Other people who are at more risk include:
- People who have high arches. This can cause more nerve tension.
- Those who have medical conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or hypothyroidism. These can make the nerves feel more pain or get tight more easily.
- Athletes, like runners. They can get foot and ankle injuries by using them too much.
- People who had an old ankle injury, like a sprain or a broken ankle [1][2][4][5].
The number of people who get tarsal tunnel is not clear. But, it looks like women get it more often than men. People of all ages can have this problem, as the Cleveland Clinic says.
Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Getting the right diagnosis for tarsal tunnel is very important if you want good treatment. The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can feel like other foot problems. Some people may even think it is plantar fasciitis. Your doctor will do a careful checkup to find out what is really causing your pain [1][4]. An accurate diagnosis will help you get the best care for your feet.
This process usually starts when your doctor asks you about the symptoms you feel. The doctor will also do a physical examination of your foot and ankle. They may use Tinel’s test during this checkup. Your doctor might order more tests to help understand what is happening.
Physical Exam and Medical History
When you visit the doctor for symptoms of tts, you need to talk about where you feel pain. Let the doctor know if the pain is burning, tingling, or sharp. The doctor will ask what helps the pain feel better or what makes it feel worse. Make sure you mention any injury that you had to your ankle or foot before. This is important for your medical record.
During a physical examination, your doctor will look at your foot to see if there is swelling, flat feet, or weak muscles. A main way to check what is going on with your tibial nerve is with Tinel’s test. Your doctor will gently tap on the posterior tibial nerve inside of your ankle to see how you feel.
If you tap on the spot and feel tingling or pain again, this means you could have tarsal tunnel. This is a good sign that helps a doctor know more about what you have. There is another test you can try called the dorsiflexion-eversion test. In this test, a person will softly stretch your ankle to see if the same feelings come back.
Imaging and Special Tests
Sometimes, a doctor can find signs of tarsal tunnel by looking at your foot during a physical exam. But, to be sure about the problem or to check if you have something else, you may need some more tests. These tests can help show what is making the nerve compression happen. For example, they can help find a growth or signs of nerve damage.
Imaging studies help doctors look at what is going on inside your ankle [1][2][6]. For example, an X-ray shows bone spurs or broken bones. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan gives a clear picture of the soft tissues. This test lets your doctor see if you have cysts, tumors, or inflammation. An electromyogram (EMG) might also be used. This test shows how well your nerves work and helps find nerve damage.
| Test | Purpose | What It Shows |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | To check for bone abnormalities. | Can identify bone spurs, fractures, or arthritis that may be causing compression. |
| MRI Scan | To see soft tissues clearly. | Reveals space-occupying lesions like ganglion cysts, lipomas, or swelling. |
| EMG/Nerve Conduction Study | To evaluate nerve function. | Measures electrical activity in nerves and muscles to confirm nerve damage. |
Treatment Options for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
There are a few ways you can treat tarsal tunnel. The best way for you will depend on what is causing it and how bad it is for you. A lot of people with tarsal tunnel feel better with nonsurgical treatment. These steps help reduce swelling and take pressure off the nerve.
If you have tarsal tunnel and you do not feel better after trying simple treatments, then you might need surgical decompression. A tarsal tunnel release is one option for this. In this surgery, the doctor makes more space for your nerve. Next, we will talk about both non-surgical and surgical ways to treat tarsal tunnel in more detail.
Non-Surgical Approaches (Including Physical Therapy & At-Home Care)
Many people get some relief from simple treatments. The first step is to lower pain and swelling. You can start with basic care at home.
Common non-surgical strategies include:
- Rest: You should take it easy and not do things that make the pain stronger. This helps give the nerve time to feel better.
- Ice: Put ice packs on your foot. This can help to make swelling go down and also help numb the pain [4][7].
- Over-the-counter pain medicine: You can take common counter pain medicine like ibuprofen. These can help with pain and swelling.
- Orthotics: If you have flat feet, things like custom orthotics or shoe insoles can be helpful. These help make your foot feel and work better.
- Bracing: A brace or splint can keep your foot still. This can help take pressure off the nerve [1][2][4][5].
Your doctor may ask you to try physical therapy. This helps you stretch and makes your foot feel stronger. Sometimes, you can get steroid injections. These get put right in the tarsal tunnel to cut down on swelling fast.
Surgical Solutions & When They’re Needed
When there are other treatments that do not use surgery, and they do not help enough, you might need surgical intervention [1][4][5]. A doctor may say that surgery is a good idea if your symptoms are strong. A surgery will also be used if there is a clear cause, like a cyst or bone spur putting pressure on something.
The most common way to treat a tarsal tunnel issue is with a tarsal tunnel release. In this surgery:
- The surgeon will cut the inside of your ankle.
- The flexor retinaculum, which is the band over the tunnel, will be cut next.
- This lets the tibial nerve have more space. It lowers the pressure on the nerve.
- If the surgeon finds a lump, it will be removed during the surgery.
Surgical decompression can help people feel better, especially when there is a clear reason for the nerve trouble and they have a good Tinel's sign before getting surgery. Aurora Health Care says that a tarsal tunnel release is a good way to ease pressure on the tibial nerve. This kind of treatment helps you feel good and get on the way to recovery.
NatraCure Products for Tarsal Tunnel Relief
Taking care of tarsal tunnel at home is important for you to feel better. You can use things like cold packs, shoe insoles that give support, and braces to help with pain and swelling. These steps can help you feel more comfortable. They are a good way to start getting relief from pain and discomfort.
NatraCure offers many products to help people feel better when they feel pain. The things you get can help you stay active and feel good at the same time. These products help you get better, so you can go back to doing what you do every day.
Cold Therapy Foot Sleeves and Socks
One good way to help with pain and swelling from tarsal tunnel is to use cold therapy. If you put cold on your inner ankle, it slows blood flow there. This can make swelling go down, and it can help with the sharp pain you feel. It is simple, and you do not have to take medicine. It can make you feel better fast.
The NatraCure Cold Therapy Socks are made for you to use easily, even without your hands. These socks come with gel packs inside. You can place the gel packs on your ankle and at the arch of the foot for comfort.
- Puts cold on the area, and this can help to make swelling go down.
- Can help to stop the nerve pain and burning that you feel.
- Feels soft and is nice to use, so you will feel comfortable.
- You can use this again and keep it in the freezer so it gets cold fast.
Using this product for up to 20 minutes at a time, and several times each day, can make your symptoms feel much better. This can also help you keep control over flare-ups.
Supportive Insoles and Braces
If you have tarsal tunnel and your flat feet are making it worse, the right arch support can help a lot. Supportive insoles work to line up the foot better. They keep the arch from dropping down if you have flat feet. This helps to protect the tibial nerve and can make your foot pain feel better. When you use these insoles, the pressure that gives you pain may get much better.
High-quality insoles from the store can work great, not just custom orthotics. The NatraCure Arch Supports are a good pick. You can use them every day.
- They hold the arch straight and help lower the stress on your nerves.
- The soft pad takes in the shock with every step you take.
- You can put them in shoes fast. They fit most shoes.
- They give steady support all day, so there is less pain for you.
By using supportive insoles, you can do something to stop a common cause of the problem. This may help you feel better for a long time. It can also keep the problem from coming back later.
Self-Care and Prevention Strategies
Besides direct treatments, you can use some simple habits and at-home exercises to help with tarsal tunnel. These things can make your symptoms less and can also stop tarsal tunnel from coming back. Try to lower stress on your feet and ankles when you do any physical activity.
By making small changes to how you do things each day, and by doing the right stretches, you can help avoid putting too much pressure on the tibial nerve. Let’s look at some good ways to take care of yourself, and find some tips to keep the tibial nerve out of trouble.
Daily Habits to Protect Your Feet
- Wear proper footwear: It is good to wear shoes that feel right. Pick shoes that fit your feet well and give you enough support for what you want to do. The right shoes can help you be safe during physical activity [4][5].
- Warm up before exercise: Before you start any physical activity, take some time to stretch your feet and ankles. This helps your body get ready and can stop pain. You may feel better if you warm up first [1][5].
- Rest between workouts: It is important to let your body rest after each workout. Taking a break gives your body time to get better, and it can help you avoid getting hurt.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Try to keep your weight in a good place. If you carry too much weight, it can put extra strain on your feet and ankles.
These small changes can help you care for your feet. They will also protect your feet from repeated strain. A lot of people get nerve compression, like tarsal tunnel problems, when there is too much strain on their feet.
At-Home Exercises and Stretching Techniques
A physical therapist can teach you some easy exercises and stretches for your foot. These can help make your foot get stronger and help it move better. This may also make the tibial nerve feel less pressure, so it can move more easily. By working with a physical therapist, there is a chance you feel less pain in your foot and the range of motion gets better.
Gentle stretching can help you feel better. You can do some easy exercises at home to help with this.
- Ankle Circles: Move your ankle around slowly in one way. Then, change and go the other way. This exercise can help your ankle feel good and work well.
- Calf Stretches: Stand close to a wall. Put one leg straight back and let your heel stay on the ground. You should feel a pull in your calf.
- Nerve Gliding Exercises: These gentle steps help the tibial nerve slide inside the tarsal tunnel. They can help the nerve move well and stop it from getting stuck.
It is always good to talk with a physical therapist. A physical therapist will help you do the exercises the right way. They can also make a plan only for you. This plan helps with your needs and can lower stress on the soft tissue that is near your ankle.
Safety First: Guidelines for Effective and Safe Relief
When you take care of pain at home, you should always put safe relief first. Cold therapy and braces can help you feel better, but you need to use them the right way. Make sure you follow the right session times so you do not hurt yourself. It is also a good idea to know the steps you should take to keep safe while using these. When you understand all this, it will help you feel good and stay safe at the same time.
It is good to know when to use these tools and when to visit a doctor. That way, you get the best result for your health. Now, let’s cover some main safety rules that you need to keep in mind.
Recommended Session Times and Precautions
To get the best results from your at-home treatments, you have to use them in a safe way. Using them too much or too often can make things worse, and your skin may feel irritated. Watch how your skin reacts. Be careful when you try new things.
Safety First: Tips for Safe and Good Relief
Safety is always most important when you give or get help. You must watch out for dangers for yourself and for others.
Let’s go over some rules to help you stay safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings when you help someone.
- If you feel unsure about how to help, get more information first.
- Use gear like gloves if there may be risk for you.
- A first aid kit is a good thing to have close by.
- Call help if things seem bad or if you feel you can’t help alone.
Remember, following these simple tips can help keep you and others out of trouble. A little care goes a long way for you, your family, and those near you.
Keep safety in mind, plan ahead, and know what to do to help people the best you can.
When you want to help someone or feel better, keeping safety in mind should be the first thing you do. It does not matter if you are the one giving help, or you are getting help. Always follow tips and be sure what you do is safe. This will make things good for everyone and keep them out of harm’s way.
Before you do any relief work, first look around the area. Make sure it is safe for people to be in. Check if there are any things that might put people in danger. After that, speak with your group or with others who are going to help. When you use good words and have clear plans, people stay safe and everyone knows what is going on.
What you use for your work has to be right for the job. Always have tools or things that are clean and work well. Keep them where you and others can get them quickly. Make sure you, and anyone working with you, wash your hands often. This helps stop germs from spreading.
Another thing you should keep in mind is to take small steps at a time. Look out for signs if any help you get is not working or feel it is not good. If something feels wrong, then stop right away. If you feel any doubt, talk to someone who knows more about the problem before you keep going.
Care comes first, and help comes after. A safe practice is the best practice for all, and will give good results to the most people.
By using these tips, you and your group can get relief work done the right way. You all can also stay safe at the same time.
- Cold Therapy: Put a cold pack or cold sleeve on the spot for no more than 20 minutes. Then, take it off. Always put a thin towel or cloth between your skin and the cold pack. This keeps you safe from ice burns.
- Braces and Supports: Make sure your brace fits right. It should feel snug, but it should not be so tight that it stops your blood from going where it needs to go. Always use the brace as your doctor says and follow their advice about when and how to wear it.
- Listen to Your Body: If you feel sharp pain in your body when you do any physical activity or stretch, stop right away. Pain is your body's way to let you know that you might need to slow down.
- At-Risk Groups: There are some people that have diabetes, poor blood flow, or neuropathy. These people need to be extra careful before they use cold therapy. They should always talk with their doctor before trying any new treatment at home. Children and older adults should use these therapies only if there is someone to watch over them.
Taking these steps can help you feel better. You will also stay safe and steer clear of problems.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
Looking after yourself at home can be helpful when your symptoms are mild. But if things feel worse, you might need help from a doctor [1][2][4]. It matters that you spot the signs when your problem could be more serious than it looks. If you keep putting off symptom that will not go away, there is a chance for long-term issues.
You need to make an appointment with your doctor, or see an orthopedic specialist, if you have any of the following:
- Pain that is very strong, is always there, or keeps getting worse even when you try to treat it at home.
- Numbness or weakness that makes it hard for you to walk or stand.
- Signs that started after you had a bad injury or trauma to your ankle.
- Your symptoms do not get better after a few weeks, even when you care for it yourself.
Getting an accurate diagnosis is important if you want to get the right treatment. A doctor will know if you have any other issues and make a plan that works for you. It helps deal with the main reason for your pain. This matters most in severe cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To understand tarsal tunnel syndrome, you have to know what causes it, what the main signs are, and how to treat it. This problem happens when the posterior tibial nerve in your ankle is pressed. That can make pain and numbness show up in the arch and at the bottom of the foot. There are several ways to treat it. A doctor could ask you to do physical therapy or use custom orthotics. In some bad cases, you might have to get surgical decompression. To feel better at home, the NatraCure therapeutic sleeves can help ease discomfort and may help with getting better. If you keep feeling pain or having trouble, you should see an orthopedic specialist. This will help you get an accurate diagnosis and the best care.
Conclusion
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can change the way you live, but you can feel better if you know what it is and take action early. If you see signs of tarsal tunnel, it is good to get help right away. There are both non-surgical and surgical ways to feel better. You can use NatraCure products, like Cold Therapy Foot Sleeves and Supportive Insoles, to add comfort and support for your feet. Take care of your feet and try to stay away from risk factors. Making sure to protect your feet can help stop tarsal tunnel problems before they get worse. You can get a free consultation that is made for your needs. Start working on your foot health now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Treating tarsal tunnel starts by trying things that do not need surgery. You may be told to rest for some time, put ice on the area, and go for physical therapy. At home, you can help your feet feel better by using insoles that support them and take the pressure off. If these steps do not give you good changes, your doctor may ask you to think about tarsal tunnel release. This type of surgery can take the pressure off there and help the nerve feel better.
What does a tarsal tunnel feel like?
Tarsal tunnel can cause sharp foot pain, tingling, or a burning feeling. You feel this on the inner ankle and on the bottom of the foot. Some people say it feels like an electric shock. This is because of nerve compression. The pain or these feelings often get worse when you walk around or do other things.
What are the red flags of tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Red flags to look for are very bad symptoms that do not get better when you take rest. You may feel a strange feeling at all times or feel numb. There can be clear weakness in your foot muscles. These signs can show that you have posterior tibial neuralgia and could get nerve damage that stays. You should go to see a doctor right away, as permanent nerve damage can happen if you do not get help.
How to sleep with tarsal tunnel syndrome?
To help with sleep when you have tarsal tunnel, you can lift your foot up. This helps with swelling. A physical therapist can teach you how to use a brace or a night splint. These keep your foot straight. This takes some pressure off the nerve. A brace or splint can also help with pain at night.
Is surgery ever needed for tarsal tunnel syndrome and what does it involve?
Yes, you may need surgery for tarsal tunnel in bad cases when other treatments do not help. An orthopedic specialist will do a surgical decompression called tarsal tunnel release. In this surgery, he cuts the ligament over the nerve root. This helps to take off pressure and gives more space in the tarsal tunnel.
How can tarsal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
Prevention be about wearing shoes that support your feet. If you want to do physical activity, make sure to warm up first. Do not use your feet too much at one time. If you have flat feet, you can try custom orthotics or supportive insoles. These can help keep the arch of the foot steady and put less stress on the nerve.
What self-care steps can I take at home if I have tarsal tunnel syndrome?
For at-home care for foot pain, you can try the RICE method. This stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Using cold therapy can help bring down some of the pain. Supportive insoles are also helpful if your foot hurts. Try to change what you do each day so the nerve does not feel worse. This will be good for you and help with your self-care.
Are there any exercises or physical therapy methods that help with tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Yes, physical therapy helps many people feel better. A physical therapist will teach you how to stretch, so your joints move in a good way. You will feel more free when you move. A physical therapist will also help you learn how your nerves work well. With these moves and steps, you put less stress on soft tissue. You feel better, as your symptoms go down.
Can tarsal tunnel syndrome be cured or is it a lifelong condition?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome may go away if you get help early. When you feel the symptoms of tts, it is good to see a doctor right away. This could stop the nerve damage from being permanent. Some people have problems for their whole life if they do not get help and nerve damage stays. A surgical intervention may cure many people who have tarsal tunnel. If the symptoms of tts are found early, you have a good chance to feel better and avoid permanent nerve damage.
How is tarsal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by doctors?
Doctors check if you have tarsal tunnel with a physical examination. They will ask about your medical history. Your doctor will do Tinel’s test as part of the checkup. To get an accurate diagnosis, you may need an X-ray or a magnetic resonance (MRI) scan. These tests help find what is causing the pressure.
What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome and who is at risk?
Tarsal tunnel can happen when the tibial nerve gets squeezed. A few things can make you more likely to have this problem. If you have flat feet, hurt your ankle before, or have medical conditions like arthritis or diabetes, the risk goes up. These risk factors put more pressure on the ankle. This can lead to nerve compression, and that brings nerve pain.
What are the most common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of tts often show up as pain, tingling, and a burning feel on the inner ankle and the bottom of the foot. These signs come from nerve compression in this area. It may feel like sharp pains. These pains can get worse when you do more activities or move around.
Full reference list
- Kiel J, Kaiser K. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513273/
- Cleveland Clinic. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Updated 2021. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15729-tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
- Aurora Health Care. Tarsal tunnel syndrome: symptoms & treatment. Available at: https://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/orthopedics/conditions/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – OrthoInfo. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome/
- American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) – FootCareMD. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (Posterior Tibial Nerve Neuralgia). Available at: https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/ankle/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
- Radiopaedia. Tarsal tunnel syndrome – imaging overview (XR/MRI findings). Available at: https://radiopaedia.org/articles/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
- AAOS – OrthoInfo. R.I.C.E. Method for Acute Injuries (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/rice-method-for-acute-injuries/
Medical Disclaimer
Important: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, podiatrist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read here. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.