Understanding Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Posted on: 18 March 2015
There's a small canal, known as the tarsal tunnel, which runs between your ankle bone and the band of ligaments that connect to your tibia bone in your lower leg. The tarsal tunnel contains arteries, nerves and tendons that give your foot suppleness, but repetitive strain can cause pain, compression of the nerves and reduced movement in the foot. Here's what you need to know about tarsal tunnel syndrome:
Causes
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by any of the following:
- Repetitive work involving the ankle, such as using a sewing machine foot pedal or drum pedal for long periods of time
- Obesity or pregnancy, which can put too much pressure on your ankles
- An ankle sprain can cause nerve damage if the swelling is severe
- Flat feet or fallen arches can put too much pressure on the tarsal tunnel nerves
Symptoms
The following are common symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome:
- Shooting pain across your foot or up your lower leg
- Numbness or tingling along the bottom of your foot
- Heel or ankle pain when walking
- A weak or unstable ankle, which may feel wobbly or appear swollen
Diagnosis
Your podiatrist will take a detailed account of your symptoms, examine your foot and observe you walking. They may also organise an MRI scan of your ankle, which can give a clear picture of the area around the tarsal tunnel and reveal whether the nerves are compressed and to what extent.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling, release compressed nerves, restore movement, and strengthen your ankle. Your podiatrist will formulate a treatment plan based on your symptoms and the identified cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Common treatments include:
Ankle brace - A removable ankle brace can give additional support and reduce inflammation if your ankle is weak. You may be asked to refrain from activities that could agitate your ankle while trialling the brace.
Orthotic insoles - If you have flat feet or fallen arches the podiatrist may measure you for custom-made orthotic insoles. The insoles redistribute your weight across your feet, taking pressure off your ankles.
Exercises - You may be given some gentle exercises to strengthen your ankle and restore movement. These exercises need to be completed daily for several weeks, but strengthening your ankle can prevent a relapse in the future.
Drugs - Anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed if the swelling is severe. Reducing the swelling will increase the blood supply to your ankle and speed up healing. Steroid injections can also be used if you're unable to take oral anti-inflammatory drugs.
Surgery - If conservative treatment fails, surgery may be suggested. The procedure involves releasing the compressed nerves in the tarsal tunnel by cutting through the band of ligaments around the nerves. All surgery comes with risks, so discuss the procedure with an experienced surgeon before committing to this course of action.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can impact on your quality of life and can worsen if left untreated. If you're experiencing any of the listed symptoms, schedule an appointment with a podiatrist like McLean & Partners as soon as possible.
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