Foot Pain – Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs down behind the medial (inside) ankle bone through the tarsal tunnel. It is responsible for innervating only muscles of the sole of the foot. The borders of the tarsal tunnel are relatively rigid so any swelling within the tunnel will compress the posterior tibial nerve.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Foot Pain

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by a severely flat foot as a flat foot puts extra stretch on the nerve. Bone spurs, benign tumours and cysts can all also cause compression of the nerve. Varicose veins visible or not around the tarsal tunnel are enlarged veins that can impinge on the nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can also be cause by inflammation from Rheumatoid arthritis or from an injury such as an ankle sprain. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of nerve compression.

Symptoms can be felt anywhere along the nerve, usually the sole of the foot or the inside of the ankle. Pain caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome may be severe or burning and is worse when standing or walking. Numbness, tingling, electric shock sensation or pins and needles are also indicators of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome should be diagnosed by a doctor as if left untreated it can cause irreversible nerve damage. If tarsal tunnel syndrome is due to flat feet one treatment option the Dr is likely to recommend is an insole with a good arch support to reduce the stretch on the posterior tibial nerve.

The insoles we recommend for tarsal tunnel syndrome are: PRIMO (1), POSA (2), PELUCHE (3), PROFILO (4), PURA (5) or PRECISO (6)