Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Knoxville’s Choice for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

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What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, is a disease that happens when the tibial nerve is damaged or squeezed. The tibial nerve is a nerve in your ankle that goes through your tarsal tunnel, which is made up of bones and tendons in your ankle.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms

Most of the time, symptoms are felt on the inside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. Some people may only have one spot where a symptom occurs. In some people, it can reach the heel, the arch, the toes, and even the leg.

When a person has tarsal tunnel syndrome, they may have one or more of the following signs:

  • A tingling, burning, or electric shock-like feeling
  • Numbness
  • Pain, including shooting pain

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Causes

When your tibial nerve gets damaged, you can get tarsal tunnel syndrome. Damage to the tibial nerve can be caused by:

  • Flat feet
  • High arches in the feet
  • Injuries, like a severely sprained ankle or a broken ankle
  • Growths that don’t look right, like ganglion cysts, bone spurs, or varicose veins
  • Lipomas or growth in the area of your tibial nerve
  • Conditions that affect the whole body, such as asthma, diabetes, and arthritis

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment

There are many different treatment options for this condition. The non-surgical treatment options include but are not limited to:

  • RICE therapy – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
  • Medications – Nonsteroidal medications like ibuprofen will help reduce pain and swelling in the area
  • Braces, casts, or splints – Your foot is held in place by a cast or splint to help the nerve heal. If you have flat feet or have significant symptoms, your doctor may suggest a brace to relieve pressure on your feet
  • Orthotics – You can use insoles that are made just for you. Orthotics can help you keep the arch in your foot in a position that makes it harder to move in ways that pinch nerves. A stability or motion-controlled shoe also keeps your foot from rolling inward and relieves pressure on your nerves
  • Physical therapy A physical therapist will give you stretches and routines to help you get stronger and move better
  • Steroid injections – Your doctor may give you steroids you can take orally, or steroid shots to reduce pain and swelling

If your TTS symptoms are still bad after you’ve tried non-surgical treatments, your doctor may suggest foot surgery. You can have an operation to free up your tibial nerve or to make your tarsal tunnel wider. If a lump is pressing on a nerve, your doctor will take it out to stop the nerve pressure.

tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Care in Eastern Tennessee

Tennessee Orthopaedic Clinics has many locations in and around Knoxville where they offer orthopedic foot care.

Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists who can help you “get back on your feet” and do the things you love to do again.

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