Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatments and Strategies for Relief
Dr Sameer Jain
December 23, 2025
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve in the fibro-osseous tarsal tunnel in the ankle. The tibial nerve and its branches run through the tarsal tunnel, made of bones and ligaments. The condition is caused when the tibial nerve is either compressed or damaged, causing pain, burning sensation, and numbness.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common chronic entrapment neuropathies (pinched nerve in ankle of the lower extremity). The management and treatment of this syndrome is quite challenging and requires early diagnosis, medication, and lifestyle changes. The condition is often underdiagnosed because the tarsal tunnel symptoms can mimic those of other foot conditions.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by consistent foot overuse, anatomical issues like flat foot, trauma, injury, or systemic conditions like diabetes. If you are suffering from tibial nerve pain, burning, numbness, and difficulty in movement of the foot, then you might have this syndrome. Consult a Pain Treatment MD to get the condition diagnosed and treated by our expert Pain Management Specialist.
The symptoms of the tarsal tunnel syndrome often mirror those of other foot ailments. Some of the most common symptoms of the syndrome are listed below.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression or damage of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel. There are multiple factors contributing to this damage or compression. Some of the known causes of the tarsal tunnel syndrome are listed below.
Diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome requires a multifaceted approach, including history, physical examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and imaging to correlate findings. According to a study, the condition cannot be diagnosed with 100% accuracy using a single diagnostic approach; therefore, it is often underdiagnosed.
Below are some of the primary diagnostic approaches for tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Studies reveal that the management and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome is quite challenging. Some of the most useful treatment options for Tarsal tunnel syndrome are discussed below.
Mild to moderate cases of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be effectively managed by self-care and lifestyle modifications. The goal of these strategies is reduce pressure on the nerve and manage pain. These simple and at-home techniques help you prevent disease progression and severity. Some of the most commonly used self-care tips are listed below.
Rest: resting the foot is a conventional yet effective way to relax the nerve, release pressure, and reduce pain and swelling. Patients must avoid long-distance walking, running, or standing for long periods.
Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack to the heel and ankle for 10 to 20 minutes at least three times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.
Contrast Baths can be used to improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation and swelling in the foot. It is done by soaking your foot in warm and cold water for two minutes alternatively. The process should be done for at least 20 minutes a day for long-term benefits.
Elevation is another effective and useful way to reduce swelling. The patient is asked to elevate the feet above heart level to relieve water retention.
Footwear: It is imperative for tarsal tunnel syndrome patients to wear footwear that is comfortable and has specific features like excellent arch support, cushioning, and a firm heel to reduce tension on the nerve.
Patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome should not walk barefoot. It can cause pressure on the nerve.
Low-impact Exercise and Stretches are also used to alleviate symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. The most effective exercises are listed below.
Patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome should manage their weight, as obesity can worsen nerve compression. An increase in weight can worsen the symptoms of the syndrome and accelerate the disease progression. Body weight puts pressure on the ankle, which causes inflammation and swelling.
An anti-inflammatory diet is highly recommended by doctors. They include omega-3-rich foods such as Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts. An anti-inflammatory diet reduces inflammation in the body and helps reduce the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Long-term management and prevention strategies for tarsal tunnel syndrome include a multifaceted approach that aims at reducing pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. It also focuses on reducing symptoms like pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome should avoid stressful exercises and high-impact activities. They should have ample rest. Whenever they experience swelling and inflammation, icing and contrast baths should be used.
Patients with underlying chronic conditions such as inflammatory arthritis and diabetes should control them to avoid exacerbation of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor will prescribe medications for the management of pain, swelling, and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections are recommended for severe cases or flare-ups.
Patients who went for compression surgery require six months of healing time and extensive post-surgical care to prevent scar tissue formation and normal gait.
If you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome and are tired of dealing with its implications and effects on your daily life, then you can contact Pain Treatment MD at Bryant. They have a specialized team of experts who provide pain management plan.
The goal at Pain Treatment MD is not only manage pain, but they also focus on holistic patient care. Pain Treatment MD is aimed at making the daily life of the patients easier and pain-free. It is achieved by using advanced medical techniques. They listen to the patients and design a custom treatment plan for them. They use techniques that are minimally invasive and highly effective.
Pain management at Pain Treatment MD is an advanced approach to treating and managing chronic conditions using state-of-the-art facilities and modern-day techniques.
Yes, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can affect both feet at the same time. However, it is mostly unilateral (one foot). Unilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome is often due to external trauma or injury, whereas bilateral tarsal tunnel syndrome signifies underlying medical conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism.
Yes, both Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar fasciitis are different conditions. However, both of them affect the foot sole and feel the same. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an entrapment neuropathy of the posterior tibial nerve, while plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the plantar fascia ligament.
Yes, any activity that increases pressure on the posterior tibial nerve can worsen Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Some common examples of such activities are listed below.
Yes, wearing shoes with good arch support, cushioning, and motion stability, and a comfortable and stable heel counter can help prevent and manage tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a chronic peripheral neuropathy that is not only painful but also decreases the quality of life of patients. It affects routine movements, work productivity, and social life of the patients. The main causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome are overuse, trauma, injury, post-surgical complications, and underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, and hypothyroidism. It exhibits itself with heel and ankle pain, burning sensations, paresthesia, dysesthesia, inflammation, and swelling. Tarsal tunnel syndrome greatly restricts the movement of the foot. Unfortunately, it is often not diagnosed because of a lack of specific diagnostic tests. The primary diagnostic approach for tarsal tunnel syndrome is Tinel’s sign. If you are also one of those who are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome and struggling to lead a peaceful and normal daily life, then you should contact Pain Treatment MD to not only manage the pain but also treat the condition with advanced techniques and modern research-based approaches under the supervision of an expert medical team specializing in pain management.
