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Tarsal tunnel syndrome


Other Names:
Posterior Tibial Nerve Neuralgia; Neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve and its branches
Categories:
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that is characterized by pain in the ankle, foot, and toes. This condition is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel into the sole of the foot. When tissues around this nerve become inflamed, they can press on the nerve and cause the pain associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome.[1]
Last updated: 3/30/2015
The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can vary from person to person. The most common symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome is foot and ankle pain. Individuals may also experience a burning or tingling sensation and numbness.[2] These symptoms may occur when a person stands, walks, or wears a particular type of shoe.[1] Pain usually worsens during walking and is relieved by rest.[1]
Last updated: 7/15/2013
There are a variety of factors that may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. These may include repetitive stress with activities, trauma (e.g., crush injury, stretch injury, fractures, ankle dislocations or sprains), flat feet, and excess weight. Additionally, any lesion that occupies space within the tarsal tunnel region may cause pressure on the nerve and subsequent symptoms. Examples include tendonitis, hematoma, tumor, varicose veins, and lower extremity edema.[2]
Last updated: 7/15/2013
While we do not provide medical advice, the following have been reported as treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome.[2] Individuals should discuss the various treatment options with their personal healthcare provider.

  • Rest and ice
  • Oral pain medications
  • Steroid injections
  • Local anesthetics
  • Physical therapy
  • Immobilization
  • Orthotic devices
  • Decompression surgery
    • Last updated: 7/15/2013
    The incidence and prevalence of tarsal tunnel syndrome is unknown.[3][4] 
    Last updated: 3/30/2015

    These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

    Where to Start

    • MedlinePlus was designed by the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more information about this topic.
    • The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) has a report for patients and families about this condition. NORD is a patient advocacy organization for individuals with rare diseases and the organizations that serve them.

    In-Depth Information

    • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
    • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
    • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

    Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not want your question posted, please let us know. Submit a new question

    • What is the prevalence of Tarsal tunnel syndrome? See answer

    • My daughter's doctor is recommending surgery to remove the bone and lengthen the nerve.  I was reading that this surgery has a 13 percent complication rate.  Could you tell me what these complications might be? See answer


    1. Whitney KA. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook. December 2012; http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone_joint_and_muscle_disorders/foot_problems/tarsal_tunnel_syndrome.html. Accessed 3/30/2015.
    2. Tarsal tunnel syndrome. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons Web site. February 1, 2004; http://www.footphysicians.com/footankleinfo/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome.htm. Accessed 2/26/2008.
    3. Persich G, Touliopoulos S. Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medscape Reference. April 23, 2014; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1236852-overview. Accessed 3/30/2015.
    4. Kennedy JG. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). 2012; http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/370/viewAbstract. Accessed 3/30/2015.