Foot Pain: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Becky WatsonNovember 22, 2022

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel behind the medial ankle bone. This nerve is responsible for innervating only the muscles of the sole of the foot. The borders of the tarsal tunnel are relatively rigid, so any swelling within the tunnel will compress the posterior tibial nerve.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction - Foot Pain

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by a severely flat foot as a flat foot puts extra stretch on the nerve. Bone spurs, benign tumours and cysts can all also cause compression of the nerve. Varicose veins visible or not around the tarsal tunnel are enlarged veins that can impinge on the nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by inflammation from Rheumatoid arthritis or from an injury such as an ankle sprain. People with diabetes are at an increased risk of nerve compression.

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain, numbness, tingling, electric shock sensation, or pins and needles, often felt in the sole of the foot or inside of the ankle. Pain worsens with standing or walking.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, if left untreated, can cause irreversible nerve damage. One treatment option for tarsal tunnel syndrome due to flat feet is an insole with good arch support to reduce nerve stretch.

We recommend using any of the following insoles for tarsal tunnel syndrome: PRIMO (1), POSA (2), PELUCHE (3), PROFILO (4), PURA (5) or PRECISO (6)