Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by too much pressure on the post tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel just below the medial ankle. The tarsal tunnel contains arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves and is covered with a thick ligament. The nerve becomes inflamed and impinged for a variety of reasons. Some examples include, excessive pronation, ligament injury of the ankle, rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, and obesity. Those who suffer from this disease experience pain that radiates to the toes or up into the leg and complain of burning pain. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is often misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis. However, plantar fasciitis is a weight bearing disorder and pain should subside at rest. There is persistent pain with tarsal tunnel syndrome even at rest. It is quite common to suffer from both plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel at the same time.

Pedorthic applications may include:

• Properly fitted shoes that support the ankle without applying pressure to the tarsal tunnel
• Rigid rocker soles
• Full length steel shanks
• Medial heel wedges
• SACH heels
• Functional orthotics
  • Relief under tarsal tunnel