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Hindi Understanding Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes, Diagnosis, and Management
*Corresponding Author: Dr. Ayesha Mehta, Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Sunrise Medical Institute, India, Email: ayesha.mehta@gmail.comReceived Date: Mar 03, 2025 / Accepted Date: Mar 30, 2025 / Published Date: Mar 30, 2025
Citation: Ayesha M (2025) Understanding Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Causes,Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Res Foot Ankle, 13: 640
Copyright: © 2025 Ayesha M. This is an open-access article distributed under theterms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricteduse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author andsource are credited.
Abstract
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) is a relatively underdiagnosed entrapment neuropathy caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve or its branches as they traverse the tarsal tunnel, a fibro-osseous space located posteromedial to the ankle. Clinically analogous to carpal tunnel syndrome in the upper extremity, TTS manifests with a range of sensory disturbances including burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the plantar aspect of the foot and toes. The syndrome can be idiopathic or secondary to a variety of etiologies, including biomechanical abnormalities, trauma, systemic inflammatory conditions, and space-occupying lesions. Given its overlapping symptoms with other foot and ankle pathologies, the diagnosis of TTS remains challenging and frequently delayed, often requiring a combination of clinical evaluation, electrodiagnostic studies, and advanced imaging techniques for confirmation. Management strategies range from conservative approaches such as physical therapy, orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications to surgical decompression for refractory cases. Despite advances in diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques, outcomes remain variable and are heavily dependent on the accuracy and timeliness of diagnosis as well as the underlying cause. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and both non-operative and operative treatment options for TTS. Emphasis is placed on emerging diagnostic tools, the role of ultrasound-guided interventions, and patient selection criteria for surgery to improve prognostic accuracy and optimize clinical outcomes.
