Podiatry
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Compression of the tibial nerve on the inside of the ankle, causing burning, numbness, shooting pain, and weakness in the foot.
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow cavity located on the inside of your ankle, just below the ankle bone, covered by a tough ligament called the flexor retinaculum. Running through this cavity are the tibial nerve, important blood vessels, and tendons that supply and control the inside of the foot. Pressure within this cavity — from activity or prolonged standing — can compress the tibial nerve, leading to weakness in the foot, sharp shooting pain, and altered sensations such as numbness. The condition commonly presents alongside other injuries, such as ankle sprains or posterior tibialis dysfunction.
Risk factors
- Structural foot deformities such as flat feet or very high arches
- Previous ankle sprains
- High-impact sports involving running and jumping
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Work that requires being on your feet all day
- Space-occupying growths such as ganglion cysts, bone spurs, varicose veins, or scar tissue
- Systemic conditions that increase swelling, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or hypothyroidism
Common symptoms
- Burning or pins-and-needles sensations in the sole of the foot
- Pain that typically increases with standing and walking
- Shooting pain that can radiate up the lower leg
- Weakness in the foot, sometimes with muscle wasting in severe cases
Assessment & treatment
Treatment
Treatment aims to control swelling and reduce pressure on structures compressing the nerve. This may include:
Treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatories
- Cortisone injections
- Footwear changes
- Orthotics to support the arch and reduce tension on the nerve
- A progressive loading program
How Simba Health treats Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Our podiatry clinicians assess the cause of your symptoms and build a personalised, evidence-based plan to treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. With no GP referral required and initial appointments from $109, you can start care quickly at a clinic near you.
Podiatry near you
Frequently asked questions
No. You can book podiatry directly at Simba Health with no GP referral, so you can start treatment for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome without delay. Initial appointments start from $109. A referral may still help if you're claiming under a care plan.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is treated under our podiatry service, with initial consultations from $109 and lower follow-up fees. We keep our pricing transparent so you know what to expect before your appointment.
Our podiatry clinicians assess the underlying cause of your symptoms, then build a personalised, evidence-based treatment plan for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Many people start to notice improvement once the right plan is underway.
Not sure this is right for you?
Call us and we'll help you find the right service and clinician for your needs.
(02) 9188 0544