The Injury Hub
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.
Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
The Injury Hub: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
The Tarsal Tunnel is a narrow space that lies on the inside of the ankle. Tarsal Tunnel syndrome is a compression on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.
The tunnel is covered with a thick ligament that protects and maintains the structures contained within the tunnel. One of these structures is the posterior tibial nerve.
How We Can Help.
Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.
Learn about common tarsal tunnel injury symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.
Symptoms Of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Symptoms are typically felt on the inside of the ankle and/or on the bottom of the foot. In some people, a symptom may be isolated and occur in just one spot. In others, it may extend to the heel, arch, toes, and even the calf.
Symptoms include:
Pain, including shooting pain in and around ankles and sometimes the toes
Tingling, burning, or a sensation similar to an electrical shock
Numbness in and around ankles and sometimes the toes
Swelling of the feet
Sometimes the symptoms of the syndrome appear suddenly. Often they are brought on or aggravated by overuse of the foot, such as in prolonged standing, walking, exercising, or beginning a new exercise program.
Treatment With Physiotherapy
Treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will examine the foot to arrive at a diagnosis and determine if there is any loss of feeling.
A variety of treatment options, often used in combination, are available to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. These include:
Immobilisation – Restricting movement of the foot by Taping & Strapping is sometimes necessary to enable the nerve and surrounding tissue to heal.
Exercise – Exercises may be prescribed to reduce symptoms.
Orthotic devices – To help maintain the arch and limit excessive motion that can cause compression of the nerve, we may prescribe either off the shelf corrective insoles or customised orthotics, which we manufacture bespoke for you using our Gait Scan technology.
Shoes – Supportive shoes may be recommended
Our Expertise
Our Physiotherapists have a great deal of specific clinical experience in the management of nerve related injuries.
It is very important to seek early treatment by our foot and ankle Chartered Physiotherapist if any of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome occur. If left untreated, the condition progresses and may result in permanent nerve damage. In addition, because the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be confused with other conditions, proper evaluation is essential so that a correct diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by anything that produces compression on the posterior tibial nerve, such as:
An enlarged or abnormal structure eg. varicose vein,
Swelling or inflammation.
Systemic diseases
Our patient’s health journeys
How Much Does It Cost?
Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.
What Are Your Clinic Hours?
Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm
Saturday: 9am to 5pm
Sunday: Closed
*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics
Where Is This Service Available?
This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.
Am I Covered By Health Insurance?
We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.
How Do I Contact You?
Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.
Call Us: 01 611 1740
Spectrum Physio
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