What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a squeezing or pinching of the tibial nerve. This nerve runs down the back of the leg to the inner ankle. In this area of the ankle joint, a complex mix of nerves, tendons, and ligaments meet. This makes it more likely that the tibial nerve could become pinched.

Certain things may increase your risk of the nerve being pinched. They include:

• An injury to the ankle.
• Being on your feet a lot.
• Being an athlete.
• Rolling the ankle inward when you walk or run (pronation).
• A tissue mass or cyst.
• Inflammation or swelling in the area.

Symptoms include burning foot pain. You may also have aching, numbness, and tingling in the sole or arch of the foot.

At first, treatment may include rest, ice, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen or naproxen. It can also include footwear that supports your feet. Examples are arch supports, custom orthotics, and support shoes. Your doctor might suggest physical therapy. If these treatments don't help, you might get steroid shots or medicine that targets nerve pain.

If these treatments don't help relieve your symptoms, you may need surgery.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include burning foot pain. It can also cause aching, numbness, and tingling in the sole or arch of the foot.

Rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medicine are common early treatments. You may also use footwear that supports your feet, like arch supports, orthotics, and support shoes. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. You may get steroid shots or medicine that targets nerve pain. If these treatments don't help, you may need surgery.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam of your foot and ankle. You may also have tests such as a nerve test or imaging tests, like an X-ray or MRI.

Try to stop or reduce the activity that causes symptoms. Take breaks often. For pain, apply a cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Ask your doctor about taking over-the-counter medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your doctor if you need physical therapy. Follow directions on adjusting shoes and wearing braces.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a squeezing or pinching of the tibial nerve. This nerve runs down the back of the leg to the inner ankle joint, where a complex mix of nerves, tendons, and ligaments meet. This makes it more likely that the tibial nerve could become pinched.