What is the Tarsal Tunnel?

The tarsal tunnel is comprised of a few nerves, blood vessels, and tendons that are collected to the inside (medial) aspect of the ankle. They are all covered with a ligamnet (the flexor retinaculum). The structures inside the tarsal tunnel are: the posterior tibial nerve and branches, the posterior tibial tendon, the flexor digitorum longus tendon, the flexor hallucis longus tendon, the posterior tibial artery, the posterior tibial vein.

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is too much pressure on the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. This can occur from injury, tendonitis, varicose veins, vascular issues, radiculopathy, etc. Patients might experience radiating pain from the tarsal tunnel to their feet or up their legs.

What Are Treatments for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

• Rest, Ice, Elevate
• Supportive shoes and inserts (custom orthotics)
• Oral medication (anti-inflammatories, oral steroids, etc)
• CAM boot (walking surgical boot)
• Steroid and other types of injections into the tarsal tunnel
• Surgical intervention of the tarsal tunnel
• Ordering and MRI
• Physical therapy

Please feel free to reach out to our Marietta Foot and Ankle Doctors for treatment options!