Ankle & Foot
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Also called: Ankle's carpal tunnel
Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes behind the inner ankle bone through a snug tunnel — producing burning, tingling, or numbness in the sole. Causes include swelling, flatfoot mechanics stretching the nerve, cysts, or ankle injury aftermath.
Common signs
- Burning/tingling in the sole of the foot, sometimes shooting from the inner ankle
- Worse with standing, walking, or at night
- Tapping behind the inner ankle bone reproduces symptoms
- May accompany a flattening arch
Seek help now if
- Both feet in a stocking pattern (systemic neuropathy — different workup)
- Progressive weakness of the foot
- Mass or significant swelling at the tunnel
Any of these: call 911 or get to an emergency room first. Everything else can wait.
What to do first
- Exam localizes the compression and screens the mimics (plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, lumbar radiculopathy)
- Address the mechanics: arch support if flatfoot is stretching the nerve; activity modification
- Begin nerve gliding and calm the tunnel (reduce swelling contributors)
If it's become chronic
- Persistent cases: sustained conservative care targeting the cause plus nerve mobility, with electrodiagnostics if unclear
- Structural causes (cyst, mass) identified on imaging may need surgical decompression — the exception, not the rule
Natural healing options we use
- Manual therapy along the tunnel and calf
- Chiropractic care for foot-ankle mechanics; arch-support strategy
- Nerve gliding program
- PEMF; B-vitamins and omega-3s for nerve health
About imaging
Ultrasound/MRI when a structural cause is suspected; nerve testing for confirmation in unclear cases.
Daily self-care
- Supportive footwear during loading hours
- Daily nerve glides as taught
- Elevate and decompress after long standing days
More in Ankle & Foot
Lateral Ankle SprainHigh Ankle SprainAchilles TendinopathyAchilles Tendon RupturePlantar FasciitisPosterior Tibial Tendon DysfunctionShin SplintsBone Stress Injury / Stress Fracture
Please read: this page is education, not a diagnosis. A proper examination is how a condition gets confirmed and a plan gets built. See our medical disclaimer.