Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when one of the larger nerves of the lower leg, the tibial nerve or its branches, becomes compressed behind the inner ankle bone of the foot.

The condition most often causes sensory disturbances in the sole of the foot, as the nerve runs together with tendons and blood vessels in a tunnel covered by a connective tissue band over the bone. Tarsal tunnel syndrome in the ankle corresponds to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist.

Why does one develop tarsal tunnel syndrome?

The cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome may be due to shoes that have been too tight, sprain, fracture in the foot, flat foot or formation of bone spurs.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome

There are several different symptoms of the condition. The following are a number of the most common ones that patients experience:

• sensory disturbances
• stabbing and burning pain in the sole of the foot and on the inner side of the foot
• sometimes pain from the calf. The pain most often increases with walking and running. It is usually not difficult for the orthopaedic surgeon to make the diagnosis, as the symptoms most often appear when pressure is applied to the nerve behind the ankle bone

Treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome

First and foremost, it is important that you stop doing the activities that particularly provoke pain. It can provide relief to wear shoes with a relatively high heel. Rest and rehabilitation are usually also part of the treatment. Medical treatment in the form of anti-inflammatory medication and possibly nerve block treatment with corticosteroid may also be necessary.

If the above does not have an effect, an operation may be necessary, where the tissue is released so that it no longer constricts and the nerve has more space.