The tarsal tunnel is a fibrous tunnel that is not structurally flexible.  There is limited room for swelling inside the tunnel.  This can cause nerves and blood vessels to be “entrapped” and lead to pain and other symptoms.

TTS is often caused by repeated pressure that results in damage on the posterior tibial nerve.  Similar to carpel tunnel in the hand, the tarsal tunnel is located just below the medial malleolus (the large bump to the inside of the ankle).  Basically, the tibial nerve branches off of the sciatic nerve and travels down the inside of the leg.  It eventually runs through the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway inside your ankle that is bound by bone and soft tissue called a retinaculum.  Continue Reading