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What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome? The Hidden Cause of Burning Soles
Are you experiencing a severe burning sensation in the sole of your foot, especially at night, intense enough to wake you from sleep? This is often misjudged as simple fatigue, but it could be Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome—the ankle's equivalent of "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." At DMN Orthospine Clinic in Istanbul, we emphasize that early diagnosis is critical to preventing permanent nerve damage.
What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Imagine the electrical cable that supplies power to your foot. This nerve must travel through a tight, fibrous tunnel. If this tunnel narrows, the "cable" is squeezed, causing painful "short circuits." Board-certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Sedat Duman and Dr. Muhammed Duman frequently observe the following primary causes:
- Flat Feet (Pes Planus): The outward tilting of the heel puts constant tension and mechanical pressure on the nerve.
- Space-Occupying Lesions: Ganglion cysts, benign fatty tumors (lipomas), or bone spurs can physically compress the nerve.
- Trauma: Previous ankle sprains, fractures, or crush injuries can lead to swelling and scar tissue.
- Systemic Diseases (Diabetes): Conditions like diabetes make nerves structurally more fragile and prone to compression damage.
Symptoms: What is Your Foot Telling You?
If you are dealing with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, you will likely experience:
- A severe burning sensation in the sole of your foot, especially at night.
- Sudden electric shocks, pins-and-needles, or tingling radiating to your toes.
- Pain that worsens after prolonged walking or standing.
Heel and sole pain is frequently misdiagnosed as "Plantar Fasciitis" (Heel Spur). Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain during your first steps in the morning. In contrast, tarsal tunnel syndrome causes burning and tingling that is particularly severe at night. Accurate diagnosis is vital to prevent irreversible nerve damage.
Our Diagnostic and Treatment Approach in Istanbul
Non-Surgical (Conservative) Treatments
If the nerve damage is detected early, we begin with conservative methods. Custom-made orthotics (insoles) to support flat feet, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections, and targeted physical therapy can significantly reduce the pressure on the nerve.
Micro-Surgical Treatment: Tarsal Tunnel Release
When conservative treatments fail to relieve your night pains, or if an MRI reveals a specific cyst compressing the nerve, surgery is the definitive solution. The "Tarsal Tunnel Release" performed by Dr. Muhammed Duman and Dr. Sedat Duman utilizes highly precise micro-surgical techniques. By carefully dividing the thick ligament pressing on the nerve, the pressure is instantly relieved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome go away on its own?
No, it rarely resolves on its own. Since the underlying cause is usually an anatomical narrowing or compression, the condition often worsens over time without professional medical treatment, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage.
How is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome different from Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis typically causes a sharp, stabbing pain during your first steps in the morning. In contrast, tarsal tunnel syndrome causes burning, tingling, and electric shock sensations that worsen with prolonged standing and are particularly severe at night.
When can I walk after Tarsal Tunnel surgery?
Following the micro-surgery, you will need to rest and wear a special walking boot for about 2-3 weeks. With proper rehabilitation, most patients return to their normal walking routine and desk jobs within 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Tarsal Tunnel surgery risky?
When performed by experienced orthopedic surgeons using micro-surgical techniques, it is a highly safe and reliable procedure. The goal is to rescue the nerve, and the risk of complications is extremely low.