Learn About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the tibial nerve is being compressed. This is the nerve in the ankle that allows feeling and movement to parts of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage mainly in the bottom of the foot.
Tibial nerve dysfunction; Posterior tibial neuralgia; Neuropathy - posterior tibial nerve; Peripheral neuropathy - tibial nerve; Tibial nerve entrapment
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an unusual form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the tibial nerve.
The area in the foot where the nerve enters the back of the inner side of the ankle is called the tarsal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow. When the tibial nerve is compressed, it results in the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Pressure on the tibial nerve may be due to any of the following:
- Swelling from an injury, such as a dislocated, sprained, or broken ankle
- An abnormal growth, such as a bone spur, lump in the joint (ganglion cyst), swollen (varicose) vein
- Flat feet or a high arch
Damage to the tibial nerve may result from body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as diabetes, low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), arthritis, or hereditary nerve problems. In some cases, no cause can be found.
Other risk factors for tarsal tunnel syndrome include participation in hockey, hiking, running, ballet dancing, and other sports that involve sprinting and jumping.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Sensation changes in the bottom of the foot and toes, including burning sensation, numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensation
- Pain at the ankle and in the bottom of the foot and toes
- Weakness and atrophy of foot muscles that move toes
In severe cases, the foot muscles are very weak, and the foot can be deformed.
Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms.
- Your provider will likely suggest first resting, putting ice on the ankle, and avoiding activities that cause symptoms.
- Over-the-counter pain medicine, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help relieve pain and swelling.
- If symptoms are caused by a foot problem such as flat feet, custom orthotics or a brace may be prescribed.
- Physical therapy may help strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility.
- Steroid injection into the tarsal tunnel area at the ankle may be tried.
- Surgery to enlarge the tarsal tunnel or transfer the nerve may help reduce pressure on the tibial nerve.
Friendly Foot Care PC
Michael Nirenberg is a Podiatric Medicine provider in Crown Point, Indiana. Dr. Nirenberg is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Achilles Tendon Rupture, Tendinitis, Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction, and Nerve Decompression. Dr. Nirenberg is currently accepting new patients.
Proliance Surgeons
Gavin H. Smith, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and surgeon of the foot and ankle. He has been practicing medicine since 2004. He feels that his professional responsibility is the successful treatment of foot and ankle disorders. His professional interests include deformity correction, joint disorders, overuse injuries and trauma care. His philosophy of care is that the needs of the patient are the first priorities, and that any intervention, whether it be medical or surgical, should be evidence-based.Dr. Smith has volunteered for The Susan G. Komen 3-Day and is a surgical instrutor in the Franciscan Podiatry Residency Program. In his free time, he enjoys working in his shop and martial arts training with his sons. He and his wife have three energetic children who keep them busy. Dr. Smith is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Bunions, Tendinitis, Achilles Tendon Rupture, and Plantar Fasciitis.
Hendrik Lambert practices in Lausanne, Switzerland. Mr. Lambert is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. His top areas of expertise are Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Mononeuritis Multiplex, Neuralgia, Ganglion Cyst, and Cardiac Ablation.
A full recovery is possible if the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is found and successfully treated. Some people may have a partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and last for a long time.
Untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome may lead to the following:
- Deformity of the foot (mild to severe)
- Movement loss in the toes (partial or complete)
- Repeated or unnoticed injury to the leg
- Sensation loss in the toes or foot (partial or complete)
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chance that symptoms can be controlled.
Published Date: February 11, 2025
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.
Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 388.