Do You Have Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Ever felt a weird tingling, numbness, or even a burning pain in the sole of your foot? You could be dealing with a few common foot and ankle conditions, but tarsal tunnel syndrome is a main culprit we at My Chicago Foot Expert have experience dealing with. Let’s take a closer look at what this condition is, why it occurs, who’s more susceptible, and what it might feel like.

What Exactly is the Tarsal Tunnel?

Imagine a narrow passageway on the inside of your ankle, right behind that bony bump you can feel. This is your tarsal tunnel, and it’s made of bone and a tough ligament forming its roof.

There are a few important structures that rely on it: the posterior tibial nerve (the main character in this story), along with various tendons, arteries, and veins that run down to your foot. Because it’s such a tight space, there isn’t much room for error. So when there is error (in this case, too tight of a squeeze), we get tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Why Does This Squeeze Happen?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome usually pops up when something reduces the space within this tunnel, or puts extra pressure on the tibial nerve. Sometimes, it’s swelling from an ankle sprain or fracture.

When the area gets inflamed, everything swells, and that nerve gets squeezed. Inflammation in the tendons that share the tunnel (like from overuse or tendonitis) can also narrow the space.

Less commonly, growths like ganglion cysts or even benign tumors can form inside the tunnel and press directly on the nerve.

Who’s More Likely to Feel the Squeeze?

First of all, what does it even feel like?

Pain, numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation that you feel along the sole of your foot. And, occasionally, shooting sensations up your calves and legs.

Certain people find themselves at a higher risk of feeling TTS, such as:

• Diabetics: Diabetes can make nerves more fragile and susceptible to compression, so even minor pressure can cause symptoms.
• People with arthritis: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation and swelling around the ankle, which can crowd the tarsal tunnel and compress the nerve.
• Active folks: Repetitive ankle motion and long hours of running can cause inflammation.
• Tight footwear: Shoes that are too tight or lack proper support can also put external pressure on the ankle area.
• People with flat feet: If your arch has fallen or is naturally flat, it can cause the foot to roll inward, which stretches the tibial nerve as it passes through the tunnel.

For any questions about foot health and wellness, reach out to the tenured staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to schedule an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.