Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Watch the video above to learn about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, and how I approach treating this with my patients. There's also more information below. As always, when you're ready, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation.


I walked in, they were so friendly and took amazing care of me. — Danielle

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Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment or compression neuropathy that occurs as the posterior tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel into the foot.

Symptoms

  1. Pain
  2. Burning, tingling, or numbness that radiates along the bottom of the foot and to the toes or up the leg
  3. Foot cramping
  4. Swelling of the foot and/or ankle

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a comprehensive foot and ankle exam by Dr. Stewart along with x-rays of the foot and ankle. Additional studies including electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, ultrasound, and MRI are sometimes used to help make the diagnosis.

Treatment

Conservative care is the 1st line of treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Stewart will exhaust all conservative treatment prior to recommending surgical intervention.

I was suffering from neuropathic symptoms in my foot and saw a neurologist and an orthopedist who both mistakenly thought my symptoms were related to residual nerve damage from a prior back surgery. Unsatisfied with those assessments, I saw Dr. Stewart who was able to make the correct diagnosis in a few minutes after performing a thorough physical examination of my foot and ankle. – Charles Cooper, M.D.

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Conservative treatment for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome includes:

  1. Immobilization of the foot and/or ankle. Depending on the severity of the condition, this may require cast immobilization with crutches, a walking boot, a hinged ankle foot orthosis with supportive shoe gear, a multi-ligamentous ankle brace with supportive shoe gear, or custom foot orthotics with supportive shoe gear
  2. Modification of physical activity including avoidance of walking, jogging, running, and the elliptical for exercise. Recommended exercises include circuit training, swimming, and bicycling
  3. Treatment of underlying flatfoot deformity or posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
  4. Therapeutic laser
  5. Weight loss
  6. Avoidance of flip-flops, flats, and barefoot walking
  7. Medications including anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), Tylenol, oral steroids, and in some cases narcotic pain medication
  8. Ice and elevation
  9. Compression therapy generally with prescription compression stockings
  10. Immobilization in a cast with crutches, walking boot, hinged ankle brace, or a multi-ligamentous lace up ankle brace
  11. Supportive shoe gear including a motion control running shoe such as Brooks, Asics, New Balance, or Saucony. Keen and Merrell style shoes are also recommended
  12. Custom foot orthotics
  13. Steroid injections

Surgical treatment for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome includes:

In certain circumstances, conservative treatment is insufficient to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome and surgical intervention is required. If surgery is indicated, Dr. Stewart will decompress the tarsal tunnel by cutting the laciniate ligament or flexor retinaculum. If the tarsal tunnel is the result of a soft tissue mass or enlarged veins then these structures are surgically removed.