4 Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
A debilitating nerve condition that affects the foot is called tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is similar to a more commonly known condition called carpal tunnel syndrome that affects the wrist. In both conditions, pressure on a critical nerve causes pain, numbness, and tingling. In the case of the foot, the posterior tibial nerve that runs through a hollow area in the ankle (the tarsal tunnel) becomes pinched due to an injury or disease.
Nerve compression in the tarsal tunnel can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following:
- System-wide disease—Diseases that contribute to inflammation like arthritis and diabetes often cause swelling and pressure in the tarsal tunnel that pushes on the posterior tibial nerve.
- Overpronation—Having poorly supported arches can cause you to roll your ankles inward when you walk putting pressure on the tarsal tunnel and the sensitive nerves. See your foot doctor for a computerized gait analysis and orthotic inserts to help correct the problem.
- A ganglion cyst—Another cause of pressure in the tarsal tunnel is from physical growths that push their way in and press on the posterior tibial nerve. These can include bone spurs and ganglion cysts.
- Sprained ankle—Injury from twisting your ankle can contribute to tarsal tunnel nerve compression. See your foot doctor for ankle sprains since a poorly treated sprain can lead to chronic ankle instability.
To confirm if tarsal tunnel syndrome is causing your foot pain and discomfort, see your podiatrist for the correct diagnosis and treatment. The foot experts at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, in the Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley areas of Pima County Arizona, have unparalleled experience in treating all aspects of foot and ankle care. Our team of doctors, including Christopher M. Funk, D.P.M., FACFAS, Bradley A. Whitaker, D.P.M., FACFAS, and Peter C. Merrill, D.P.M., AACFAS, is dedicated to serving you with state-of-the-art, cutting edge medical technologies including the PinPointe FootLaser, custom-fitted orthotics, and Radial Pulse Therapy (RPT) for chronic foot, heel, or ankle pain. If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment, please call (520) 575-0800.
