Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition where the posterior tibial nerve in the foot is trapped.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. The main difference between tarsal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome is that tarsal tunnel occurs in the foot and carpal tunnel occurs in the hands and wrist.

What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the entrapment of the tibial nerve. The tibial nerve is located behind the inside ankle bone in a tunnel formed by the bone and a fibrous band called the tarsal tunnel.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome may occur after an injury to the foot or ankle. Common injuries and conditions that cause tarsal tunnel are:

• ankle sprain
• fractures of bones in the foot
• diabetes
• rheumatoid arthritis
• varicose veins in the tarsal tunnel
• flat feet
• cyst in the tarsal tunnel area of the foot

Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel

Some of the most common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome are?

• burning or numbness in the foot
• shooting pain along the inner side of the foot
• swelling

Pain is often worse at night when sleeping. The pain can be temporarily relieved by physical therapy, rest, elevation, or massage.

Treatment Options for Tarsal Tunnel

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be treated with medication (to reduce pain and swelling), physical therapy, steroid injections, arch supports in shoes, and in severe cases, surgery.

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