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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment in Orange County, CA

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is also known as “tibial nerve dysfunction.” The condition is an entrapment neuropathy that is linked with the compression of tarsal tunnel structures. An incorrect diagnosis can create complications such as foot deformities and functional impairment. Let our experts at Care Podiatry help with early and reliable diagnosis.

What Are Its Common Symptoms

How can you know if your discomfort is due to your tibial nerve or something else? When you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, the pain usually happens inside your ankle and the sole of your foot. Other signs include tingling, burning, or an electric shock sensation. 

There is a possibility of its occurrence in just one spot, down to your foot, or even up into your calf. The pain is more localized in your ankle and foot. Other than these, you also experience numbness and pain that becomes worse if you stand or walk for a long time.

What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Unlike some conditions with only one cause, TTS can be triggered by various factors. These lead to pressure on the posterior tibial nerve.  

Intrinsic (Internal) causes include tendon Inflammation or tenosynovitis, bony prominences or arthritis, lesions like ganglions, cysts, tumors, or lipomas, and thickened retinaculum.

Extrinsic (External) causes include trauma or ankle injury, systemic conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or inflammation, biomechanical abnormalities like flat feet, and swelling or edema around the ankle. In most cases, idiopathic causes make diagnosis difficult.

What Are The Risk Factors for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

There are various risk factors that help patients know why symptoms can develop and when to seek evaluation. Tarsal Tunnel syndrome occurs when pressure builds around the posterior tibial nerve inside the ankle. There are various conditions that increase the likelihood of compression. 

Flat Feet (Pes Planus)

It can cause the foot to roll inward excessively. The inward collapse increases tension and pressure along the inside of the ankle. It places stress on the posterior tibial nerve.

Repetitive Ankle strain

Runners, athletes, and individuals who stand for long periods develop chronic inflammation in the ankle region. Repeated strain can cause swelling and thickening of tissues within the tarsal tunnel. 

Diabetes

It can affect nerve health and increase vulnerability to nerve compression. Swelling, vascular changes, and existing neuropathy can worsen symptoms or delay healing. 

Arthritis

Inflammatory or degenerative arthritis can cause joint swelling and bone changes. It narrows the tarsal tunnel space and increases nerve compression.

Obesity

Excess body weight increases stress on the feet and ankles. The added load contributes to biomechanical strain and soft tissue inflammation around the nerve.

How Is It Diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose TTS, so our podiatrists check various aspects. It includes medical history and physical exam that focus on symptoms and physical findings like tenderness over the tarsal tunnel. Imaging studies, including MRI, X-rays, or ultrasound, are also conducted to determine the structural causes. Lastly, studies of nerve conditions show slowed nerve signals, though false negatives are possible.

If you have severe Tarsal Tunnel issues or other common foot issues that do not improve with various treatment options, our podiatrists can check the conditions. Most of our patients visit us when their condition becomes worse. If you are experiencing ongoing foot or ankle pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact Care Podiatry at (657) 441-1484 to schedule a comprehensive evaluation at our Anaheim and Lakewood locations.

Other Common Foot Problems We Treat

Treatment for collapsed arches and progressive flattening of the foot.

Treatment for painful bony bumps at the base of the big toe joint.

Relief and management for arthritis-related joint pain in the feet.

Diagnosis and treatment for tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation.

Targeted care to identify and resolve the source of persistent foot pain.

Correction for bent or curled toes through conservative and surgical options.

Treatment for calcium deposits causing heel pain and inflammation.

Gentle, effective removal and prevention of painful ingrown toenails.

Effective relief for the most common cause of chronic heel pain.

Treatment for tibial nerve compression causing burning or tingling.

Safe, professional toenail trimming for diabetic and elderly patients.

What Our Patients Say

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Michael Perez
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Dr Maijala and his staff are unparalleled in customer service and carry themselves in a very professional manner.. these 2 traits are the foundation of a 5 ⭐️ healthcare provider… I feel fortunate too be a patient…
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Mari Mar
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Best podiatrist ever! Brought my 14 year old because she had an ingrown toe nail. He explained everything so well and the procedure was smooth. She recovered very well. Dr Maijala is awesome and staff is wonderful!!
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francisco cervantes
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God Jop I’m. Happy
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Irma Cervantes
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Me gusta mucho
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Dave LittleBear
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The doctor was very nice I really enjoyed him working on my feet these are very nice person very professional very friendly thank you
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Ivan Ojeda
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Best doctor ever. Honest and makes sure you get the best treatment. Staff is super friendly and makes you feel comfortable.
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chinh nguyen
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I think it is great shoe
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paols eol
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I took my daughter here for a sports related injury. The guys at the urgent care did not do a thorough exam they just listened to the symptoms and said she had shin splints. DR Maijala on the other hand really took his time to figure out what was wrong. He has a great foot-side manner. I would highly recommend him.
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Alvaro Contreras
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10 out of 10 podiatry
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Manny Diaz
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I've been under the care of Dr. Maijala since January 2025, and I cannot express how grateful I am for his exceptional care. When I developed cellulitis, it escalated to the point where I needed to be hospitalized and operated on. Dr. Maijala acted quickly and decisively, skillfully cleaning out the infection and ensuring my recovery. What truly sets Dr. Maijala apart is his remarkable combination of expertise and compassion. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable and skilled but also genuinely caring and attentive. He takes the time to listen to his patients, addressing all concerns with patience and understanding. His approach makes patients feel valued and respected, which is a rare quality in healthcare today. I wish all doctors were as dedicated and compassionate as Dr. Maijala. His commitment to his patients is truly inspiring, and I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone in need of exceptional medical care. ---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens when a nerve in your ankle gets squeezed in a tight space on the inside of your ankle.

Symptoms usually include shooting pain in the toes, tingling or burning in the sole, numbness in the foot, and pain that worsens with walking.

Mild cases can improve with rest, supportive footwear, and reducing inflammation. However, consistent symptoms should be checked to prevent long-term nerve damage.