I Was Just Diagnosed With Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome — What Are My Treatment Options?

Hearing a diagnosis like tarsal tunnel syndrome can be confusing, especially if you’ve been dealing with vague symptoms like tingling, burning, or unexplained foot pain. The good news is that there are effective treatment options, and most patients improve without surgery.

Andrew McCall, DPM, FACFAS, and the rest of our team at Alpine Foot and Ankle in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Alpine, Wyoming, work closely with patients to address conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome. Our aim is to build the most appropriate treatment plan to get patients back on their feet as pain-free as possible. 

What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through a narrow space on the inside of your ankle called the tarsal tunnel.

This nerve controls sensation in the bottom of your foot, so when it becomes irritated or compressed, it can lead to symptoms like:

• Tingling or pins-and-needles
• Burning pain in the foot or ankle
• Numbness in the sole of the foot
• Pain that worsens with activity 

There isn’t always a single cause. In many cases, it’s a combination of factors that increase pressure within the tarsal tunnel. Common contributors include:

• Flat feet or fallen arches
• Ankle injuries or swelling
• Varicose veins near the nerve
• Cysts or soft tissue masses
• Inflammation from overuse

The goal is to alleviate the pressure on the nerve, which relieves pain and abnormal sensations.

Reducing ankle irritation and pressure

Treatment usually starts with simple steps to reduce stress on the nerve and calm inflammation. Cutting back on high-impact activity or long periods of standing can give the irritated nerve a chance to settle down.

Anti-inflammatory strategies, including icing or short-term medication use, may also help reduce swelling in the area. 

Supportive footwear is another key part of early treatment. Shoes with proper structure can reduce strain along the inside of the ankle, and our team may recommend custom orthotics. 

When tarsal tunnel symptoms don’t improve

If symptoms continue, physical therapy can improve strength, flexibility, and nerve mobility, helping to reduce ongoing irritation. In some cases, Dr. McCall may recommend a walking boot temporarily to limit movement and ease inflammation

For more persistent symptoms, corticosteroid injections can help reduce inflammation around the nerve. Doctors typically administer these using imaging guidance to ensure accuracy and provide more effective relief.

What about surgery for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Surgery is typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief or when there’s a clear structural issue that’s causing nerve compression.

Tarsal tunnel release surgery involves carefully relieving pressure on the tibial nerve by opening the tight structures surrounding it. If a mass, cyst, or other abnormality is present, your surgeon can address it at the same time.

Dr. McCall specializes in advanced and minimally invasive techniques that can help reduce tissue disruption and support a smoother recovery.

Don’t ignore nerve symptoms in your foot

Don’t put off getting an evaluation for your symptoms because unaddressed nerve compression can lead to complications. The goal with tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment is to correct what’s causing the nerve compression so you’re not dealing with the same issue months down the line. 

With a clear diagnosis and a focused treatment plan, most patients can get back to moving comfortably without that lingering, unpredictable nerve pain.

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome, you need expert care. With the right treatment approach, relief is attainable. 

To learn more about how we treat tarsal tunnel syndrome at Alpine Foot and Ankle and to request an appointment with us, contact our team today. Call the location most convenient to you or use online booking.