UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Orthopedics

Title: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Keywords: tarsal tunnel syndrome (PubMed Search)

Posted: 11/17/2012 by Michael Bond, MD (Updated: 3/29/2024)
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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS)

Prior pearls have addressed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, which affect the median and ulnar nerves, respectively.  Tarsal tunnel syndrome, is a similar compression neuropathy of the tibial nerve as it transverses through the tarsal tunnel of the foot.

The tarsal tunnel is located behind the medial malleolus, and is where the posterior tibial artery, tibial nerve and several tendons transverse.  Patients will present complaining of numbness of the foot radiating into  Digits 1-4, pain, burning , and tingling of the base of the foot and heel.  TTS has many causes and is more common in athletes.

Consider the diagnosis in patients with foot pain and numbness.  If interested in more information about TTS please consider reading this eMedicine article, http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1236852-overview