Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs due to repeated pressure on the tibial nerve that runs through a tunnel on the inner side of your ankle. This can cause burning pain in the heel,
sole of feet or inner aspect of leg with a pin and needle sensation in the feet. It can occur in patients with flat feet (which stretches the nerve), Inflammatory arthritis, diabetes,
thyroid disease, lesions or masses near the nerve or injuries around the ankle.
Besides the history and clinical examination, the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be confirmed with imaging studies like MRI scan and electromyography studies of the tibial nerve and its branches.
Non operative medical treatments include medications (NSAID’s, Vitamin B12, tricyclic antidepressants, antiseizure medication, etc) or a steroid injection adjacent to the nerve. Ankle foot braces, total contact casts or insoles can also be tried to provide relief.
In case of a recognised compressive lesion or in severe long-standing cases, a surgical decompression of the nerve provides satisfying results. This is achieved by giving an incision over the inner side of the ankle over the course of the nerve.