The foot and ankle surgeon will examine the foot to arrive at a diagnosis and determine if there is any loss of feeling. In addition, because the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be confused with other conditions, proper evaluation is essential so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.

If left untreated, the condition progresses and may result in permanent nerve damage. It is very important to seek early treatment if any of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome occur. Often they are brought on or aggravated by overuse of the foot, such as in prolonged standing, walking, exercising, or beginning a new exercise program. Sometimes the symptoms of the syndrome appear suddenly. In others, it may extend to the heel, arch, toes, and even the calf. In some people, a symptom may be isolated and occur in just one spot. Symptoms are typically felt on the inside of the ankle and/or on the bottom of the foot. Tingling, burning, or a sensation similar to an electrical shock Patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome experience one or more of the following symptoms: Systemic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis can cause swelling, thus compressing the nerve. Some examples include a varicose vein, ganglion cyst, swollen tendon, and arthritic bone spur.Īn injury, such as an ankle sprain, may produce inflammation and swelling in or near the tunnel, resulting in compression of the nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything that produces compression on the posterior tibial nerve, such as:Ī person with flat feet is at risk for developing tarsal tunnel syndrome, because the outward tilting of the heel that occurs with “fallen” arches can produce strain and compression on the nerve.Īn enlarged or abnormal structure that occupies space within the tunnel can compress the nerve. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot. One of these structures is the posterior tibial nerve, which is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament (the flexor retinaculum) that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel-arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle next to the ankle bones.