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Injury advice > Foot Injuries > Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome & Entrapment of the Medial Calcaneal Nerve

The long bones of the foot are known as the tarsals. Just below the bony bit on the inside of the ankle (medial malleolus) is a passage where two nerves run.

foot pain

These nerves are called the medial and lateral plantar nerves. If you over pronate (your foot rolls in when you walk or run as shown ) then pressure is put on these nerves which can become inflamed causing tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

  • Pain radiating into the arch of the foot, heal and sometimes the toes.
  • Numbness or pins and needles in the sole of the foot.
  • Pain when running.
  • Pain when standing for long periods.
  • Tinel's Test....tapping the nerve (just behind the medial malleolus) may reproduce the pain felt.

Treatment of tarsel tunnel syndrome.

  • Rest and Ice in the acute (painful and inflamed stage).
  • A rehabilitation programme designed by a sports injury professional.
  • Orthotics can solve the problem of the athlete over pronating, a specialist can have them made and fitted.

What is Entrapment of the Medial Calcaneal Nerve?

Excessive over pronation or pressure from shoescan cause the medial nerve to become trapped. Pain radiates from the inside of the heel out towards the centre of the heel.

Treatment of Tarsal Tunnel

Useful Products:

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on how to treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and other foot injuries