Tarsal Tunnel

Tarsal tunnel syndrome -- tarsal: meaning the lower ankle area of the foot -- is a condition that usually affects the medial (inside) aspect of the ankle. There are many structures that run through this area, including tendons, veins, arteries and nerves. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, as it courses under the ligament at the ankle, becomes inflamed for a variety of reasons, namely: excessive pronation, arthritic problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, and even obesity.

The symptoms that are characteristic of this disease are persistent burning pain, pain that radiates down to the toes and/or up to the lower leg, and pain that is usually unremitting, in that is does not subside after weight has been removed from the foot.

Simple techniques to relieve some of the symptoms are ice, anti-inflammatories, heel-aid, immobilization (such as with a cast walking boot) and cortisone injections. In some cases where the pain is unresolved after conservative measures have been employed, then surgery is utilized.