| Abstract: | Compression of the posterior tibial nerve of the ankle, also known as tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), is being seen withincreasing frequency in athletes, particularly runners. For this reason, it behooves the sports medicine professional to be well informed about this condition. TTS is caused by either extrinsic or intrinsic pressure on the posterior tibial nerve or its terminal branches. The syndrome, although analogous to carpal tunnel syndrome, is much less common. The most common symptoms of TTS are numbness and burning pain in the medial heel and foot. The condition is often difficult to differentiate from plantar fasciitis. Electrodiagnostic studies, including nerve conduction studies and electromyography, help confirm the diagnosis. Conservative measures are usually unsuccessful, and surgical decompression of the tarsal tunnel is generally regarded as the treatment of choice. |
