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Dr. Farber’s Bio | Q&A Archive
Bunions; Corns; Hammertoe; Plantar fasciitis; Tarsal tunnel syndrome; Flat feet
Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of a nerve that runs through a narrow passage behind the inner ankle bone down to the heel. It can cause pain anywhere along the bottom of the foot. It can occur with:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the dorsiflexion-eversion test can diagnose this syndrome.
Treatment for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Specially designed shoe inserts called orthotics can relieve pain from tarsal tunnel syndrome, because they help redistribute weight and take pressure off the nerve. Corticosteroid injections may also help. Surgery is sometimes performed, particularly if symptoms persist for more than a year, although its benefits are a matter of debate. Tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by known conditions, such as tumors or cysts, may respond better to surgery than tarsal tunnel syndrome of unknown cause. It can take months after this surgery for a person to recover and resume normal activities. Only experienced surgeons should perform tarsal tunnel syndrome surgery.
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