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

If any of these is sudden or severe, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For the others, get examined before you start self-care.

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)

The longer road

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

Book a visit Call 469-620-6245 All conditions

How we can help

Keep working on it at home

Once you have been examined and cleared to load it, these free home programs cover this part of the body.

Ankles Bulletproofing Feet Bulletproofing The Body Audit: test your own range

More in Ankle & Foot

Lateral Ankle Sprain High Ankle Sprain Achilles Tendinopathy Achilles Tendon Rupture Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction Shin Splints Bone Stress Injury / Stress Fracture Morton's Neuroma Bunion Turf Toe Peroneal Tendinopathy Sever's Disease Flat Feet

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.