Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal is the lower part of the ankle and tarsal tunnel is a space on the inner side of ankle and close to the ankle bone. There is a thick ligament covering the tarsal tunnel and is called flexor retinaculum. This ligament protects the nerves, veins, tendons, arteries etc that remains with in the tunnel.

When the sensory nerve which is the posterior tibial nerve that goes through the tunnel gets irritated or compressed by pressure then it results in tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This syndrome happens if the posterior tibial nerve gets compressed or inflamed. It can be due to a number of reasons and some of them are listed below.

If you have any abnormal growths with in the tarsal tunnel then it may leads to the compression of the tibial nerve. The abnormal growths can be arthritic bone spur, varicose vein, swollen tendons, ganglion cyst etc. Similarly any injury around the ankle like sprain may cause swelling and inflammation around the tunnel and there by compress the nerve.

If you have flat feet with fallen arches then you have tendency to tilt your heel outward and this cause strain in the ankle which ultimately leads to compression of the nerve. Certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes etc may cause swelling in the ankles and thus induce tarsal tunnel syndrome. Over weight is also a reason that can cause compression on the nerves.

Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms usually vary from person to person and mostly symptoms are felt on the inner side of the ankle and also on the bottom of the foot. There will be a persistent pain through the inner side of the foot and it may radiate to the toes and even to lower legs.

There may be tingling and burning sensation on the sole and this may increase during the day time while you are walking. These symptoms may appear all of a sudden and may get aggravated with the over use of the foot like walking continuously, exercising, standing etc. This pain may subside with elevation of the foot, rest, massage etc. Some times there may be loss of sensation on the affected region.

If these symptoms are left untreated then it may aggravate and impair your daily life.

Recent Articles

• Foodborne Illness
• Adrenal Insufficiency
• Thyroiditis – Types and Treatment
• Sacroiliitis – Dealing with sacroiliac joint pain
• Pilonidal Cyst – Remedies for pilonidal cysts

What's More today?

Foodborne Illness

The food that we eat for nourishing our body could even be a source of health hazard. Contaminants and... 

Treat Gingivitis Naturally

Use Fumitory – Use fumitory plant to treat Gingivitis. Prepare the decoction of the plant with dried... 

Hand Numbness – Causes and Treatment

Loss of sensation or numbness in either or both the hands might develop due to several reasons. Often... 

Belly Fat Diet – Diet for Reducing Belly Fat

The unsightly bulging belly is extremely harmful for your health. Although you can easily lose the fat... 

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency develops when the adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient adrenal hormones. The... 

Nutmeg Oil for Good Health

Promotes Brain Functionality – Regular intake of nutmeg oil is widely acknowledged as a stimulant for... 

Thyroiditis – Types and Treatment

Inflammation of the thyroid gland is known as thyroiditis. Depending on the factor responsible for the... 

Hypothyroidism Diet

Poor metabolism reduces the body’s ability to burn calories, resulting in fat buildup and weight gain.... 

Balanitis – Causes and Treatment

Balanitis is characterized by swelling on the glans penis or the tip of the penis. Inflammation of the... 

Stomach Bug – Prevention and Treatment

Stomach bugs are one of the major causes of digestive disorders. The bacteria and viruses invading the... 

Bruxism – How to stop teeth grinding

Teeth grinding or bruxism is a habit that affects a large number of children and adults. People affected... 

Sacroiliitis – Dealing with sacroiliac joint pain

Sacroiliac joints are present at the bottom of the spine between the tailbone and the hipbone. On either... 

Pilonidal Cyst – Remedies for pilonidal cysts

Pilonidal cyst is a painful cyst that develops near the cleft of the buttocks, below the tailbone. The... 

Amenorrhea – Causes and Treatment

While pregnancy is one of the major causes of missing periods, absence of menstrual bleeding can also... 

Metabolism Diet

The metabolism rate of your body might be the real culprit responsible for your weight gain. If the metabolism...