Understanding Tarsal tunnel syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Tarsal tunnel syndrome

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Posterior tibial neuropathy

General

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that is caused by chronic pressure on the posterior tibial nerve, resulting in nerve damage. The tibial nerve is a long nerve that passes through the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway inside the ankle, created by bone and soft tissue. This syndrome is caused due to severe flat feet, benign bony growth in the tarsal tunnel, varicose veins around the nerve, inflammation, lesions and masses such as lipomas, injury, trauma, ankle sprains, fractures, and diabetes which causes the nerve to become more vulnerable to injury.

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Signs & symptoms

Tarsal tunnel symptoms may include sharp pain, pins and needles, burning sensation, numbness, or tingling anywhere along the tibial nerve, the sole of the foot or the ankle.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome is based upon findings from medical history and physical examination. Tinel’s tests include gently tapping on the tibial nerve- if the test causes pain or tingling, it may diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome. EMG may also be performed.

Treatment

Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome may include pain relievers, resting, icing, compression, elevation,steroid injection and surgical treatment if all else fails.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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