All You Need to Know About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when you damage or compress your tibial nerve. (It runs through a group of bones and ligaments in your ankle known as the tarsal tunnel.) The symptoms can be painful, but with early intervention, we can often provide pain relief without surgery. 

Symptoms and Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Certain conditions raise your risk for tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS.) These including the shape of your foot—both flat and high arches increase your risk. A broken or sprained ankle can trigger TTS, as can ganglion cysts, bone spurs, arthritis and diabetes. 

With TTS, you may experience pain on the inside of your ankle and/or the bottom of your feet. Other symptoms include tingling or burning sensations, as well as numbness. Over time, the muscles in your foot may weaken. And, with tarsal tunnel syndrome, these symptoms initially show up or worsen when you’re physically active. Without treatment, your TTS symptoms may bother you all the time. 

Diagnosing and Treating TTS in Westfield, IN

If we believe you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, we may order an EMG or MRI to see how well your nerves are functioning and to look for tissue damage or growths that could put pressure on your tibial nerve. 

Once we know you have TTS, we’ll suggest RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation for the affected ankle. After a few days, this can reduce pain and swelling and may improve your TTS symptoms. 

We may also recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to further reduce pain and swelling. Then, depending on the severity of your condition, we may need to brace or cast your ankle. (Especially if you have flat feet, since doing so will take pressure off your tarsal tunnel, allowing your nerve to heal.) 

Even after TTS symptoms improve, we’ll probably recommend orthotics to help keep pressure away from your nerve and prevent tarsal tunnel syndrome from recurring. After healing, physical therapy can help you strengthen weakened muscles and regain full mobility. 

Now, for more severe cases, you may benefit from steroid injections. Only in extreme cases would we recommend TTS surgery. (This is a procedure that widens your tarsal tunnel or takes pressure off your tibial nerve by releasing it and/or removing any growths that press against it.) 

Why Should I Seek TTS Treatment? 

Even if your symptoms are mild, it’s important to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome as soon as possible. Without intervention, TTS can lead to permanent nerve damage, which could make it difficult for you to walk. 

Luckily, with early intervention, we can quickly relieve painful TTS symptoms and get you walking comfortably. Have you noticed tingling, burning or numbness in your feet? Don’t risk your mobility by waiting to see if it goes away. Instead, schedule an appointment with Dr. David Sullivan right away! 

Sources: The Cleveland Clinic