Your feet and ankles rely on a complex network of nerves, blood vessels, and tendons to move comfortably and function properly. Many of these structures pass through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow passageway located on the inside of the ankle and formed by the ankle bones and a band of ligaments.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. The condition can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Understanding what causes TTS, how to recognize the symptoms, and what treatment options are available can help you take steps toward relief.
What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
A variety of factors can put added pressure on the tibial nerve and contribute to nerve damage. These include:
- Having flat feet or high arches.
- Experiencing an injury, such as an ankle sprain or fracture.
- Developing ganglion cysts, bone spurs, or varicose veins.
- Having a lipoma or tumor near the tibial nerve.
- Living with a body-wide condition such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or arthritis.
For many people who develop tarsal tunnel syndrome, TTS is part of an overuse injury.
What Are the Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is associated with nerve pain, typically felt on the inside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. You may also experience:
- Burning sensations
- Numbness
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
- Weakness in your foot muscles
Symptoms often worsen during or after physical activity. If TTS is severe or long-lasting, you may experience symptoms even while at rest.
How to Test for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
When you contact a podiatrist with these concerns, they may suggest using diagnostic ultrasound to uncover the problem. It uses high-frequency sound waves to capture images of soft tissues, like your tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
Diagnostic ultrasound offers several benefits. The technology is safe with no associated side effects. It is non-invasive, quick, and painless and does not use X-rays. This affordable imaging option can detect a variety of common foot and ankle conditions and injuries.
How to Treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Many people can manage tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms with at-home or over-the-counter treatments. You might try:
- Staying off your foot for several days or weeks to give it time to heal and help prevent further injury.
- Applying an ice pack for up to 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day, to reduce pain and swelling.
- Compressing with a supportive elastic bandage and elevating the foot above your heart to reduce inflammation.
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to relieve inflammation and pain.
Your podiatrist may also recommend nonsurgical treatments, such as:
- Wearing a brace, cast, or splint to keep the foot in place and encourage healing. A brace may also help reduce pressure on the feet for people with flat feet or severe symptoms.
- Using custom orthotics and proper footwear to help your foot maintain a proper arch and reduce movements that can compress the nerve.
- Completing physical therapy exercises and stretches to improve strength and range of motion.
- Taking prescribed oral steroids or receiving steroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation.
If your symptoms remain severe after nonsurgical treatments, your podiatrist may recommend surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Depending on the cause, surgery may involve releasing the tibial nerve, widening the tarsal tunnel, or removing a mass that is pressing on the nerve.
How to Prevent Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent tarsal tunnel syndrome, taking care of your feet and ankles can lower your risk. You can:
- Rest and recover between workouts
- Stretch your feet and ankles regularly
- Choose supportive shoes that fit properly
- Warm up before exercising
Get Back on Your Feet
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can interfere with everything from exercise to everyday activities. If foot or ankle pain is slowing you down, the friendly podiatrists at The Foot & Ankle Center are here to help. They’ll use diagnostic ultrasound to test for tarsal tunnel syndrome and recommend treatment options based on your needs.
Schedule an appointment today and get back to moving comfortably!