What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome has been defined as an extrinsic or intrinsic compression neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve or one of its branches.
There are some very tight structures in this area, so there is very little room for expansion if any of these structures become inflamed or enlarged. This inflammation or enlargement of the nerve in this area causes the entrapment.
The posterior tibial nerve becomes impinged as it passes under the deep fascia of the leg and the abductor hallucis muscle.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to the carpal tunnel syndrome seen in the wrist but is far less common.
Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
There are an array of causes that have been associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome, resulting in the constriction of the posterior tibial nerve or one of its branches within the tarsal canal. Space-occupying lesions as a causative factor of tarsal tunnel syndrome are well documented. These lesions may be the result of post-traumatic, neoplastic or inflammatory factors. Post-traumatic factors include bone fractures resulting in tibial nerve compression.
Half of the patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome have a history of a previous sprain, ankle fracture, crash injury, flat foot or fracture-dislocation about the foot or ankle.
Symptoms
An array of symptoms described as insidious in onset have been documented; these include longitudinal arch pain, plantar anaesthesia or paraesthesia or a sharp electric shock type of pain. The pain may radiate from the ball of the foot to the posterior aspect of the leg or may be localised to the heel area. The pain may be present at rest, but often, the patient describes a pain that is exacerbated with activity or post-prolonged ambulation.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrom Treatment at Galleria Podiatry
The podiatric practitioner may implement conservative measures in the initial treatment stages of a suspect tarsal tunnel syndrome case and later seek a referral for surgical intervention if symptoms persist.
Non-surgical treatment includes orthotic therapy, physical therapy modalities, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and corticosteroid injections.
Additional Therapy
Ice therapy and wearing wider shoes to allow the metatarsals to spread. Intrinsic forefoot exercises may also be helpful.
Pain of this type may also benefit from the use of pain-relieving gels or LIFESOLES, which can be found in our shop.
Our Gap-Free Offer
To help you out we’ve created a GAP-FREE* LOWER LIMB ASSESSMENT!
Your risk-free, no obligation Lower Limb Assessment includes:
JOINT, MUSCLE & POSTURAL ASSESSMENT
to discover the cause of your lower limb pain. (Valued at $108)BASIC ON-THE-DAY TREATMENT
to get you started on your journey to being pain free. (Valued at $89)TREATMENT PLAN
customised just for you. (Valued at $89)Normally Valued At $286 But Get It For FREE Today if you have Private Health Insurance
with podiatry cover. No Insurance? No Problem, Pay just $69.
NOTE: DIGITAL HEALTH INSURANCE CARDS WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO CLAIM ON-SITE so please bring your ‘physical’ card with you.
