Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

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Tarsal tunnel syndrome is pain in the ankle, foot, and sometimes toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by compression of or damage to the nerve supplying the heel and sole (posterior tibial nerve).
• The posterior tibial nerve runs down the back of the calf, through a fibrous canal (tarsal canal) near the heel, and into the sole of the foot. When tissues around the tarsal tunnel become inflamed, they can swell and press on the nerve (nerve compression), causing pain. 

• Flat feet
• Enlarged or abnormal structure such as ganglion cyst or bone spur
• Inflammation from injury or sprain
• Systemic diseases such as diabetes or arthritis 

• Burning or tingling that occurs when walking or wearing certain shoes
• Numbness
• Shooting pain