You may already be familiar with carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful condition caused by nerve compression in the wrist. When that happens to a key nerve in the ankle, it’s called tarsal tunnel syndrome.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) happens when your posterior tibial nerve, which runs from the back of your knee down to your foot, is compressed or damaged. The tarsal tunnel is the name of a specific area (or “tunnel”) in your ankle made up of bones, ligaments and nerves.
If you’re experiencing pain, tingling, short “shocks” or numbness in this area, especially if you’re a frequent exerciser, it may be due to tarsal tunnel syndrome.
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What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
There are several things that can damage or compress your posterior tibial nerve, including:
- Having flat feet or high arches
- Atypical growths within the tarsal tunnel, like a bone spur, varicose vein, mass or ganglion cyst
- Injuries, like sprains or fractures
- Swelling from systemic conditions or diseases like arthritis or diabetes
People are more likely to develop TTS when they already have a history of injuries to their ankles, and the condition is often part of an overuse injury in those who exercise intensely and frequently.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Sensations caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome are often on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the feet but can extend further into the feet and up the leg.
People may describe their symptoms as:
- Burning or shooting pain
- Numbness
- Tingling, like it’s “fallen asleep”
- Muscle weakness
- Foot swelling
Symptoms might worsen when you walk around or stand up and improve when you sit or lie down. They can also vary depending on how compressed your nerve is — more intense compression will result in more severe symptoms.
How long does tarsal tunnel syndrome last?
The length of time you may experience tarsal tunnel syndrome depends on a few things, most importantly if it’s being caused by another medical condition and how long it’s already been going on.
When TTS is caused by another condition, successfully treating that condition will usually lead to a very quick recovery. On the other hand, chronic conditions may make it less likely for your tarsal tunnel syndrome to disappear entirely.
If there is no underlying condition, you may be recommended physical therapy, which often starts to relieve symptoms immediately but could take anywhere between two weeks and six months to fully recover.
How Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treated?
Ideally, we can start to treat TTS before it has progressed too much and becomes difficult to treat. Treating tarsal tunnel syndrome is often as simple as identifying an underlying cause and fixing that first, but if it isn’t caused by another condition, tarsal tunnel syndrome remedies include rest combined with physical therapy. Other options include:
- Icing the affected area, compression and elevation to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medication
- Orthotic devices and supportive shoes
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome exercises focused on strengthening, mobility and balance
If these treatments don’t work for your TTS, your provider may recommend surgery to remove any masses within your tarsal tunnel, widen it or release your tibial nerve.
Treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome at OrthoNebraska
Looking for tarsal tunnel syndrome specialists in the Omaha area? At OrthoNebraska, we want to make sure that our patients feel understood, safe and confident to take on an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, we can help you reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
