What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
A compressive neuropathy known as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) affects the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, a small opening on the inside of the ankle. This disorder can affect everyday activities and athletic performance by causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and ankle.
Causes and Mechanism of Injury
Compression of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel results in TTS. There are several reasons why this compression may occur, such as:
- Anatomical Abnormalities: The nerve may be more stressed by flat feet or fallen arches.
- Trauma: Swelling or scar tissue from ankle sprains or fractures can pinch nerves.
- Systemic Conditions: Inflammation or damage to nerves can be a result of conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
For example, An athlete who sprains their ankle may produce scar tissue as the injury heals. TTS might result from this scar tissue encroaching on the tarsal tunnel and squeezing the posterior tibial nerve.
Signs and Symptoms
Individuals with TTS may experience:
- Pain: A burning or aching feeling on the bottom of the foot or inside the ankle.
- Numbness: A “pins and needles” sensation or diminished feeling in the foot.
- Tingling: Prickly feelings that could spread to the toes.
- Weakness: Feeling unsteady or having trouble moving your feet.
Prolonged standing, walking, or physical activity frequently makes symptoms worse; resting may help them.
Diagnostic Methods at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, we employ comprehensive physical and functional assessments to diagnose TTS accurately. Our diagnostic approach includes:
- Clinical examination: Includes measuring muscle strength and reflexes, determining sensitive spots, and assessing foot and ankle alignment.
- Special Physiotherapy Tests: Applying certain tests to elicit symptoms and validate the diagnosis.
- Dorsiflexion-Eversion Test: The therapist extends all toes, everts the foot, and maximally dorsiflexes the ankle. While tapping over the tarsal tube, this posture is maintained for 5–10 seconds. Symptoms along the nerve distribution are replicated in a positive test. The Student Physical Therapist’s website
- Tinel’s Sign: A “pins and needles” or tingling feeling in the foot caused by light tapping over the tarsal tunnel indicates nerve irritation.
Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre
Our center offers a multifaceted approach to managing TTS, focusing on alleviating symptoms, addressing underlying causes, and preventing recurrence. Our advanced physiotherapy treatments include:
- Manual therapy: Methods to improve mobility and lessen nerve compression, such as soft tissue manipulation and nerve gliding exercises.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Tailored stretching and strengthening regimens that focus on the ankle and foot muscles to enhance function and support.
- Orthotic Intervention: Reducing tension on the posterior tibial nerve by correcting biomechanical anomalies such as flat feet with custom-made orthotics.
- High-End Modalities: Using cutting-edge therapies to hasten recovery and lessen symptoms
- Shock Wave Therapy: Reduces pain and encourages tissue regeneration by using acoustic waves.
- CRET Therapy: Radiofrequency energy is used in Capacitive Resistive Electric Transfer (CRET) therapy to promote deep tissue repair and decrease inflammation.
- SIS: By stimulating neuromuscular areas with high-intensity electromagnetic fields, the Super Inductive System (SIS) reduces pain and speeds up the healing process.
- High-Intensity Class IV Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation and speeds up tissue repair by penetrating deep tissues with concentrated laser energy.
- Hydrotherapy: In order to lessen the strain on the injured area while preserving mobility, hydrotherapy involves patients in water-based exercises.
- Cryotherapy: Reduces inflammation and numbs acute pain by applying regulated cold exposure.
At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, our skilled physiotherapists are committed to offering individualized treatment. We customize each treatment plan to meet the unique demands of each patient, guaranteeing a full recovery and a return to sports and daily activities.
Make an appointment at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre if you suffer from Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms. Our team provides compassionate care and state-of-the-art treatments to support your recovery journey.