What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a nerve compression condition affecting the tibial nerve as it passes through a narrow space near the inner ankle. Pressure in this tunnel may produce burning, tingling, numbness, or pain that travels into the sole or heel. Symptoms can worsen with standing, walking, or repeated ankle movement.
Quick Facts About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Category
Peripheral nerve condition
Used for
Describing tibial nerve compression
Common confusion
Plantar fasciitis and other causes of heel pain
Also called
Posterior Tibial Neuralgia, Tibial nerve compression at the ankle
Often discussed with
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment
Key Takeaways About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Symptoms often follow the inner ankle into the foot.
- Standing and repeated ankle motion may increase discomfort.
- Heel pain does not always mean plantar fasciitis.
How Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Works
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome develops when pressure affects the tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel, a passageway behind the inner ankle. The nerve carries sensation from parts of the lower leg and foot. Irritation may create burning, tingling, numbness, or aching along the inner ankle and sole.
Related glossary terms: Nerve Impingement, Gait Analysis, Heel Spur.
Symptoms can change with posture and activity. Standing or walking may increase nerve pressure, while symptoms may extend toward the heel or toes. A clinical assessment considers symptom location, ankle movement, walking pattern, and nearby soft-tissue or joint factors. Plantar fasciitis affects the plantar fascia, so its pain pattern may differ from nerve-related symptoms.
From the Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta team
When we assess Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, we review symptom location, walking mechanics, ankle movement, and nearby joint or soft-tissue factors. We also consider whether the pattern fits nerve irritation or another source of foot pain before selecting care within our Plantar Fasciitis Treatment service.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome in Practice: A Real-World Example
A person seeking Plantar Fasciitis Treatment may describe burning near the inner ankle that travels into the sole during a long walk. That pattern can prompt a closer look at tibial nerve irritation instead of treating every foot complaint as plantar fascia pain.
Related Services
Related Terms
Nerve Impingement
Nerve Impingement is a condition in which nearby tissue places pressure on a nerve or its…
Gait Analysis
A gait analysis is a structured assessment of how you walk, including foot placement, stride pattern…
Heel Spur
A Heel Spur is a bony growth that forms along the underside or back of the…
Arrowhead Clinic Chiropractor Marietta
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