Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment at Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation
Burning, tingling, or numbness in the sole may signal tibial nerve compression at the ankle. Differentiating it from plantar fasciitis is essential.
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we combine precise diagnosis with orthotics, footwear optimisation, manual therapy, and rehabilitation—and arrange nerve studies or surgical referrals when required.
What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a form of nerve entrapment neuropathy, similar to carpal tunnel in the wrist, but occurring in the ankle. It involves compression of the posterior tibial nerve (or its branches) as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow space on the inside of the ankle bounded by bone and a thick ligament.
When compressed, the nerve becomes irritated, causing burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the sole of the foot. If untreated, long-term nerve compression can lead to weakness and muscle wasting.
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we specialise in accurate diagnosis (distinguishing tarsal tunnel from plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, or referred pain) and provide comprehensive treatment to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore function.
Causes & Risk Factors
Flat feet / overpronation – stretching the tibial nerve in the tunnel
Swelling or inflammation – from ankle sprains or injury
Space-occupying lesions – ganglion cysts, lipomas, varicose veins
Systemic conditions – diabetes, inflammatory arthritis
Poor footwear – overly tight or unsupportive shoes
Biomechanical overload – excessive standing, walking, or running
Scar tissue – following trauma or surgery
Treatment at Foot and Rehabilitation
Custom orthotics – correct overpronation and reduce nerve tension
Footwear modification – supportive, cushioned shoes with medial support
Manual therapy and mobilisation – improve ankle joint mechanics and reduce compressive forces
Shockwave therapy – can help with associated tendon pain but not nerve compression itself
Anti-inflammatory strategies – activity modification, strapping, and offloading
Strengthening & mobility programs – calf and intrinsic foot exercises to improve stability
Referral pathways – to orthopaedics or neurology if surgery or nerve testing required (surgical decompression in severe cases)
Symptoms
Burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the sole of the foot
Numbness in the arch, heel, or toes
Symptoms that worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or at night
Pain radiating from the ankle into the foot
Weakness or loss of intrinsic foot muscle control in advanced cases
Symptoms often confused with plantar fasciitis
Diagnosis
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical history and symptom mapping (distribution of nerve pain vs plantar fascia pain)
Palpation and percussion (Tinel’s sign – tapping nerve at the tarsal tunnel reproduces symptoms)
Biomechanical assessment – pronation, arch collapse, or ankle instability contributing to nerve irritation
Imaging:
Ultrasound or MRI – to rule out space-occupying lesions
Nerve conduction studies – in severe or persistent cases to confirm nerve compression
Contact us to learn more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome treatment
If you are dealing with Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, our team can help you find the most suitable Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinic for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment support.
Whether your symptoms are affecting walking, running, exercise, or daily comfort, we can guide you towards the right clinician and the right next step for your care.
Treatment options are available across Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central and Bethlehem
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome assessment and treatment can vary depending on your consultation, the severity of your symptoms, the treatment approach recommended, and whether ongoing podiatry or rehabilitation care is required.
Your Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinician will assess your tendon, identify the contributing factors to your pain, and explain the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
10,000+
Appointments delivered across our clinics, helping patients improve foot health, mobility, and long-term outcomes.
7 Clinics
Conveniently located across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, making it easy to access a podiatrist near you.
30+ Treatments
Comprehensive podiatry services including fungal nail care, ingrown toenail treatment, rehabilitation, and general foot care.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome – FAQs
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
It is compression of the tibial nerve inside the ankle, causing burning, tingling, or numbness in the sole of the foot.
What does tarsal tunnel pain feel like?
Patients often describe burning, shooting, tingling, or numbness in the arch or toes. Pain may worsen at night or with standing/walking.
What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Common causes include flat feet, injury swelling, cysts, varicose veins, or arthritis that narrow the tunnel and compress the nerve.
How is tarsal tunnel diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on symptom pattern, clinical testing, and imaging. Tinel’s sign is a classic test, and nerve studies or MRI may confirm the diagnosis.
Can tarsal tunnel syndrome be cured?
Yes. With early intervention, symptoms can often be managed conservatively using orthotics, footwear changes, and rehabilitation. Severe cases may require surgical decompression.
How is tarsal tunnel different from plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes heel and arch pain in the morning that improves with movement. Tarsal tunnel causes burning/tingling pain, often at rest or night, and may involve numbness or neurological symptoms.
Do orthotics help tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Yes. Orthotics correct biomechanical overload (such as overpronation) and reduce traction forces on the tibial nerve, often relieving symptoms.
What are the risk factors for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Flat feet, ankle injuries, arthritis, space-occupying lesions, and systemic conditions like diabetes increase risk.
When should I see a podiatrist for nerve pain in the foot?
If you experience burning, tingling, or numbness lasting more than two weeks, or if pain worsens at night, you should seek assessment. Early care prevents long-term nerve damage.
Why Choose Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation?
Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation provides specialist care for nerve entrapments, with detailed biomechanical assessment, orthotic prescription, and advanced rehabilitation. We focus on accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and collaboration with neurologists and orthopaedic surgeons where needed.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert nerve pain care is available across New Zealand.
