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Living with Tarsal tunnel syndrome

A nerve condition that causes pain in the ankle, foot, and toes.

Understanding Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve condition that causes pain in the ankle, foot, and toes.

It is caused by pressure on the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel to the sole of the foot. When tissue around the nerve is inflamed, it can press on the nerve.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD describes this:

  • Pain in the ankle
  • Pain in the foot
  • Pain in the toes

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests confirm nerve pressure at the ankle?
What can ease the inflammation around the nerve?
Should footwear or activity change?

Quick facts

It is caused by pressure on the posterior tibial nerve when nearby tissues become inflamed.

Also known as: tarsal tunnel syndrome (ankle condition); tts - tarsal tunnel syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Tarsal tunnel syndromeGARD ID 7733 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Explore the Tarsal tunnel syndrome blog

Explore research for Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Explore actively recruiting Tarsal tunnel syndrome studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Tarsal tunnel syndrome with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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