Brief overview
- Treatment: initially immobilization of ankle; use of pain medications and anti-inflammatories; surgery possible; other treatment options (e.g., splint, brace, tape, exercises)
- Symptoms: Nocturnal sensory disturbances in the area of the front sole of the foot and toes; burning sensation in the foot, numbness and tingling; muscle weakness, restricted movement.
- Examination and diagnosis: Based on tests for pain sensitivity, swelling, hyperthermia, electroneurography, X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Course of disease and prognosis: Treatment as early as possible, otherwise permanent nerve damage possible; success of surgery depends on concomitant symptoms
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
In addition, all perceptions in the area of the lower leg, heel and sole of the foot are conducted via the nerve to the central nervous system. If the nerve in the tarsal tunnel is now irritated by permanent pressure, this is called tarsal tunnel syndrome. The foot and lower leg are mainly affected.
It is possible for tarsal tunnel syndrome to occur on both sides.
What helps with tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment of an underlying disease such as inflammatory joint disease (rheumatoid arthritis) or hypothyroidism may be part of the therapy.
Attention: If the symptoms intensify during the exercises, please consult your doctor or physiotherapist!
Sometimes it helps to cool the painful areas. Furthermore, homeopathic products are available for the treatment of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, for example against nerve pain. Attention should also be paid to the right footwear.
What are the symptoms?
Since the nerve initially regenerates again and again, the symptoms occur irregularly at first. In the course of the disease, however, the nerve usually suffers permanent damage – the insensations and pain persist in this case. Later, the muscles supplied by the nerve are often also damaged. Those affected feel muscle weakness and it is no longer possible for them to move their foot properly.
Causes and risk factors
In about 80 percent of cases, the doctor finds a cause for tarsal tunnel syndrome. In most cases, it is injuries or benign bone outgrowths that narrow the tarsal tunnel. Occasionally, however, small tumors or inflammations also lead to a narrowing in the structure.
Examinations and diagnosis
If tarsal tunnel syndrome is suspected, it is advisable to consult a doctor at an early stage. This often prevents permanent damage to the nerve. The doctor, an orthopedist, will ask the following questions, among others:
- How long have the symptoms been present?
- When are the symptoms particularly intense?
- Does the pain occur only with exertion or also at rest?
- Can the symptoms be triggered or intensified in any way?
- Do you suffer from a disease that affects the foot or its nerves?
Then the doctor examines the foot and performs various tests. Sometimes he is able to provoke the pain by tapping the area under the inner ankle. Weakness in the muscles supplied by the nerve, as well as signs of local inflammation such as swelling and hyperthermia, are indications of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Course of the disease and prognosis
Without treatment, the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome usually worsen. In the worst case, the nerve is permanently damaged. Experts therefore recommend treating the syndrome as early as possible. If permanent damage has already occurred to the tibial nerve or muscle functions have failed, it is usually no longer possible to reverse this through surgery.
