Tarsal tunnel syndrome

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Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a pinching of the tibial nerve, which stretches down the back of the leg to the inner ankle. In this area of the ankle, a complex mix of nerves, muscles, and ligaments meet; this makes the tibial nerve prone to entrapment, or pinching.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include foot pain and weakness as well as numbness and tingling in the sole or arch of the foot.

A nerve might get pinched as a result of:

An injury to the ankle.
Rolling the foot inward when walking or running (pronation).
A tissue mass or cyst.
An area of inflammation in or around a tendon (tenosynovitis).

Initial treatment may include rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and supportive footwear, such as arch supports, custom orthotics, and support shoes. If initial treatment does not help relieve symptoms, surgery may be needed.

Credits

Author	Jeannette Curtis
Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor	Pat Truman
Primary Medical Reviewer	Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated	May 25, 2007

Last updated:	May 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman

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