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What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS)?

Source: Drugs.com, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Healthline

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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) is the result of posterior tibial nerve damage. It causes pain, numbness and weakness in the toes or foot. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway that is formed by ankle bones and ligaments that stretch across the foot. It is located on the inside of the ankle. The tibial nerve branches from the sciatic nerve and travels to the ankle and through the tarsal tunnel. The tibial nerve, along with tendons and arteries, provide flexibility and movement of the foot. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve due to repeated pressure can cause nerve damage, resulting in TTS.

Symptoms

Nerve pain inside the ankle or on the bottom of the foot is a common symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Symptoms may worsen at night or while standing. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sharp, dull or shooting pain in the toes or foot
Burning, numbness or tingling in the toes
Weakness of the foot muscle
An electric shocking feeling in the ankle or bottom of the foot
Loss of feeling in the foot or toes
Foot cramps
Trouble moving the foot or toes

Causes

The cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is compression of the tibial nerve, which can result from the following:

Ankle sprain or fracture
Arthritis
Bone spur
Diabetes
Flat feet or fallen arches
Ganglion cyst
Hypothyroidism
Lipoma or tumor near the tibial nerve
Overuse
Swollen tendon
Varicose veins

Risks

Various factors increase the risk of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome. They include, but are not limited to, the following:

Ankle or foot injury
Repetitive activity with forceful foot movement, such as dancing
Existing mass in the foot area
Pregnancy
Bony overgrowth in the ankle
Obesity
Wearing tight shoes
Misalignment of the foot

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