The tarsal tunnel is a canal located on the inside of the ankle. It holds tendons, nerves and blood vessles in place as they run from the leg to the foot. It is similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the structures, especially the tibial nerve becomes compressed and squeezed and ‘trapped’ in the tunnel.
This trapped nerve usually causes symptoms such as pain, pins & needles or tingling along the sole of the foot and toes, especially around the inside of the heel and foot.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment
- The tarsal tunnel can be opened up by correcting the position of the foot i.e. reducing ‘over-pronation’, or how much the foot rolls in. This can be done using taping, footwear and orthotics. When the foot is in a better alignment and position it will stop the nerve from being squeezed against the foot.
- Injection of steroids into the tarsal canal may aid in the reduction of the patient’s pain.
- Surgery may be required if conservative treatments fail.
