Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is pressure on a nerve along the back of your lower leg, which can cause pain from the inside of the ankle to the foot. You're at higher risk of this condition if you have flat feet, a foot injury, diabetes, arthritis, or other foot problems. To get relief, visit a podiatrist with EvergreenHealth Foot and Ankle Care.
Symptoms
You may feel any of these symptoms, which usually happen on the inside of your ankle or bottom of the foot:
- Numbness
- Shooting pain
- Tingling or burning
Sometimes, the pain of tarsal tunnel syndrome extends to your toes or calf. It might start with a new type of exercise and worsen the longer you use your foot, even when just standing or walking.
Diagnosis
Your EvergreenHealth doctor will move and tap your foot to see if it triggers your symptoms. You might need an imaging test to look for a mass or lump. Your doctor may also order electromyography to check your muscles' electrical activity, as well as a nerve conduction velocity test to see how fast the nerves send signals.
Treatments
Seek treatment early to prevent tarsal tunnel syndrome from getting worse. Your doctor will likely start with conservative, nonsurgical approaches, such as:
- Resting and keeping weight off the foot that hurts
- Applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to your foot for 20 minutes a few times a day
- Wearing supportive shoes and shoe inserts that limit painful movements
- Taking ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications
- Wearing a cast to keep the nerve and surrounding tissue still so they can heal
- Physical therapy, including gentle exercises and pain-relieving ultrasound therapy
- Injections of a local anesthetic or a steroid to reduce pain or inflammation
- Using a brace if you have flat feet or severe symptoms
Surgery for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
If surgery is your best treatment option, your EvergreenHealth surgeon will recommend the best outpatient procedure for your specific situation. To make your experience go smoothly, learn how to prepare for foot and ankle surgery.
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