Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tibial nerve dysfunction; Posterior tibial neuralgia; Neuropathy - posterior tibial nerve; Peripheral neuropathy - tibial nerve; Tibial nerve entrapmentTarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the tibial nerve is being compressed. This is the nerve in the ankle that allows feeling and movement to parts of the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage mainly in the bottom of the foot.
Causes
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an unusual form of peripheral neuropathy. It occurs when there is damage to the tibial nerve.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals in both directions between the spinal cord and the rest of the bo...
The area in the foot where the nerve enters the back of the inner side of the ankle is called the tarsal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow. When the tibial nerve is compressed, it results in the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Pressure on the tibial nerve may be due to any of the following:
- Swelling from an injury, such as a dislocated, sprained, or broken ankle
- An abnormal growth, such as a bone spur, lump in the joint (ganglion cyst), swollen (varicose) vein
-
Flat feet or a high arch
Flat feet
Flat feet (pes planus) refer to a change in foot shape in which the foot does not have a normal arch when standing.
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Damage to the tibial nerve may result from body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as diabetes, low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), arthritis, or hereditary nerve problems. In some cases, no cause can be found.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Sensation changes in the bottom of the foot and toes, including burning sensation, numbness, tingling, or other abnormal sensation
Numbness
Numbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Pain at the ankle and in the bottom of the foot and toes
- Weakness and atrophy of foot muscles that move toes
In severe cases, the foot muscles are very weak, and the foot can be deformed.
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will examine your foot and ask about your symptoms.
During the exam, your provider may find you have the following signs:
- Inability to curl the toes, push the foot down, or twist the ankle inward
- Weakness of toe extension
Tests that may be done include:
-
Electromyography (EMG), a recording of electrical activity in muscles
Electromyography
Electromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.
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Nerve conduction tests (recording of electrical activity along the nerve)
Nerve conduction tests
Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...
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Other tests may include imaging tests, such as x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of organs and structures inside the body.
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
Blood tests may be done to look for medical conditions that lead to nerve damage.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the symptoms.
- Your provider will likely suggest first resting, putting ice on the ankle, and avoiding activities that cause symptoms.
- Over-the-counter pain medicine, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may help relieve pain and swelling.
- If symptoms are caused by a foot problem such as flat feet, custom orthotics or a brace may be prescribed.
- Physical therapy may help strengthen the foot muscles and improve flexibility.
- Steroid injection into the ankle may be needed.
- Surgery to enlarge the tarsal tunnel or transfer the nerve may help reduce pressure on the tibial nerve.
Outlook (Prognosis)
A full recovery is possible if the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is found and successfully treated. Some people may have a partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and last for a long time.
Loss of movement
Muscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.
Nerve pain
Neuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Common neuralgias include:Posth...
Possible Complications
Untreated, tarsal tunnel syndrome may lead to the following:
- Deformity of the foot (mild to severe)
- Movement loss in the toes (partial or complete)
- Repeated or unnoticed injury to the leg
- Sensation loss in the toes or foot (partial or complete)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the chance that symptoms can be controlled.
References
Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.
Smith G, Shy ME. Peripheral neuropathies. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 392.
Review Date: 1/23/2023
Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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