Tarsal tunnel syndrome
A condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel
Tarsal tunnel syndrome | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Synonyms | Posterior tibial neuralgia |
Pronounce | |
Field | Orthopedics, Neurology, Podiatry |
Symptoms | Burning pain, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in the foot, ankle, or toes; worsens with activity or prolonged standing |
Complications | Chronic pain, permanent nerve damage, gait abnormalities |
Onset | Gradual or sudden, often after injury or overuse |
Duration | Chronic unless treated |
Types | Compression neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve |
Causes | Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel due to injury, overuse, swelling, flat feet, or masses like ganglion cysts or lipomas |
Risks | Flat feet, arthritis, diabetes, ankle injuries, occupations with prolonged standing or walking |
Diagnosis | Clinical exam, Tinel's sign, nerve conduction studies, MRI or ultrasound imaging |
Differential diagnosis | Plantar fasciitis, sciatica, neuropathy, stress fracture |
Prevention | Proper footwear, avoiding overuse and repetitive ankle trauma |
Treatment | Rest, physical therapy, orthotic devices, corticosteroid injections, surgical decompression in severe cases |
Medication | NSAIDs, pain relievers, corticosteroids |
Prognosis | Good with early treatment; chronic or worsening without intervention |
Frequency | Relatively uncommon; more frequent in athletes and those with foot deformities |
Deaths | None (not life-threatening) |
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a medical condition that occurs when the tibial nerve is compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones. This syndrome is analogous to carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, where the median nerve is compressed.
Anatomy[edit | edit source]
The tarsal tunnel is located on the medial side of the ankle and is formed by the flexor retinaculum, a band of fibrous tissue that stretches from the medial malleolus to the calcaneus. Within this tunnel, the tibial nerve, along with the posterior tibial artery and tendons of the flexor muscles, passes into the foot. The tibial nerve branches into the medial plantar nerve, lateral plantar nerve, and the medial calcaneal nerve as it exits the tarsal tunnel.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by any condition that results in compression of the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. Common causes include:
- Flat feet or fallen arches, which can stretch the tibial nerve.
- Varicose veins or ganglion cysts that occupy space within the tunnel.
- Inflammation from arthritis or other inflammatory conditions.
- Trauma or injury to the ankle, leading to swelling or scar tissue formation.
- Diabetes, which can cause nerve damage and increase susceptibility to compression.
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can vary but often include:
- Tingling, burning, or a sensation similar to an electric shock in the foot.
- Numbness in the foot or toes.
- Pain that radiates from the inside of the ankle into the foot.
- Symptoms that worsen with activity and improve with rest.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. A healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, focusing on the foot and ankle, and may use the Tinel's sign test, where tapping over the tibial nerve elicits tingling or pain. Imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound may be used to identify structural causes of compression. Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies can assess the function of the tibial nerve.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome aims to relieve pressure on the tibial nerve and may include:
- Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Orthotic devices or shoe modifications to support the foot and reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
- In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to release the flexor retinaculum and decompress the nerve.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for tarsal tunnel syndrome varies depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Many individuals experience relief of symptoms with conservative management, but some may require surgery for lasting relief. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Related pages[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Classification | |
---|---|
External resources |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Kondreddy Naveen, Prab R. Tumpati, MD