Foot Pain Adelaide

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms are caused from compression of your posterior tibial nerve in your foot/ankle region. The location of your tarsal tunnel is on the inner side of your ankle. This area is covered with a thick ligament known as the flexor retinaculum and the base of the tunnel is formed by your ankle bones.

Symptoms in the tarsal tunnel usually start slowly and get worse overtime. The most common symptoms are pain, numbness, tingling and burning sensation over the inner side of your ankle and sole of your foot. This can result in numbness overtime. Symptoms can be constant and are aggravated with activities such as walking and running.

City Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat foot pains such as those arising from tarsal tunnel syndrome.

If you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome you will find it difficult to stand or walk for any period of time. Because the nerves are inflamed and irritated your symptoms may also become worse at night.

What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

• Tight flexor retinaculum (covering of the tunnel)
• Flat feet
• Multiple sprained ankle
• Weak ankle muscles ( tibialis anterior, tibialis posterior, peronei and short flexors of toe)
• Ganglion cyst, lipomas, varicosities, synovitis
• Bony issues

What treatment can I expect from City Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Clinic for my tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Your physiotherapist will suggest rest from any aggravating activities, perhaps even a splint to immobilise your ankle for a short time may be necessary. Ice can be used to decrease pain and inflammation. Dry needling treatment is also effective in reducing inflammation around your ankle and foot.

Once symptoms have settled somewhat strengthening exercises of ankle and foot muscles will be given as well as mobilisation of the ankle joint and soft tissues. Taping can also be used to support the foot to reduce compression of the nerve. Supportive footwear
and orthotics may also be recommended.

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