Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Any condition that produces compression or squeezing of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel causes tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a result of compression of the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel. In most cases, the cause of this compression is not known. Some of the known causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include:

• Injuries to the lower part of the leg and ankle including fractures, dislocation of ankle and severe ankle sprains can cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Some of these injuries may be due to certain sports, jogging and aerobic exercises.

• Space-occupying lesions that reduce the space within the tarsal tunnel. These lesions include varicose veins, localized tumors, thickened local muscles, bony abnormalities and local inflammation.
• Hind foot deformities that produce tension on the nerve during certain movements of the foot.
• Systemic diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, inflammatory arthritis and acromegaly

Overweight or obese individuals are at a risk of suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome. Excessive alcohol, tobacco and certain medications are associated with peripheral neuropathy, which may predispose to tarsal tunnel syndrome.

References:

1. McGlamry's Comprehensive Textbook of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
2. TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME - (http://www.lakeviewhealth.org/upload/docs/TarsalTunnelSyndrome.pdf)
3. Schwartz MS, Mackworth-Young, McKeran RO. The tarsal tunnel syndrome in hypothyroidism. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry 1983;46:440-442
4. TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AND ITS SURGICAL TREATMENT - (http://www.orthojournalhms.org/volume7/pdfs/ms11.pdf)
5. The tarsal tunnel syndrome in hypothyroidism - (http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/46/5/440.full.pdf)

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