Description:
The posterior tibial nerve passes through the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. This nerve serves the tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus, and the flexor digitorum longus which aid in plantarflexion and inversion movements. Due to overpronation, excessive movement of the foot rolling inward, some types of arthritis, or injury, compression of the posterior tibial nerve may occur. The compression of the posterior tibial nerve can cause nerve pain in the foot such as burning, pins and needles, or numbness.

What is it?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition categorized by neural pain that occurs in the foot due to a compressed posterior tibial nerve.

Common Signs & Symptoms:
Occasionally misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is differentiated by neural pain symptoms in the foot, particularly in the underside of the foot, including numbness, tingling, and pins and needles. Pain is often in the arch of the foot and heel, with tenderness on the inner side of the foot, under the medial malleolus. Pain symptoms, similar to plantar fasciitis, may intensify during walking, running, or standing for long durations.
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​Common Assessments:
Assessment includes reported tingling, pins and needles, or burning pain in the foot, overpronation of the foot analyzed through evaluation of biomechanics, and nerve conduction testing. The Tinel’s test is often used to diagnose neural aggravation.
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