Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Overview:
- Most common compressive neuropathy in the foot and ankle.
- Occurs in both male and females equally.
Pathoanatomical Features:
- Tarsal tunnel refers to the canal between the medial malleolus and the flexor retinaculum. In the canal resides the tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery, and the tendons of tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longs, and flexor hallucis longus muscles travel in a bundle. Pain typically occurs when the nerve is compressed.
Risk Factors:
- Inflammation (adjacent tendonitis, recent ankle trauma)
- Compressive pathology (ganglion cyst, lipoma, varicosities)
- Structural (osseous): exostosis, severe arthritis, fracture of rearfoot/ankle
- Biomechanical: abnormal calcaneal eversion or inversion, subtalar joint pronation
- Systemic causes of neuropathy: diabetes, hypothyroidism, Reiter's syndrome, and more
Diagnosis/ Classification:
- Shooting pain into the foot
- Numbness and tingling
- Parethesia
- Muscle Weakness
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION MEASURES
Physical Examination Measures:
Tarsal Tunnel Test:
Tarsal Tunnel Test:
Tinnel Sign:
Dorsiflexion-Eversion Test:
References:
- "A Closer Look At Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome." Podiatry Today. N.p., Nov. 2003. Web. 02 July 2014. <http://www.podiatrytoday.com/article/2136?page=1>.
- Ferri, F. (2014). Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. https://www.clinicalkey.com/#!/ContentPlayerCtrl/doPlayContent/3-s2.0-B9780323083744008208/{"scope":"all","query":"tarsal%20tunnel%20syndrome"}
- Lombara, A. Palmer, E., (2013) Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. S. `Richman. Ipwich, Massachusetts, EBSCO Publishing
Last Edited by: Justin DePeralta , SPT at AT Still University on July 12, 2014