Diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed using imaging studies and nerve conduction studies.

Complete patient history, thorough clinical examination and certain tests help to diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome.

• Clinical examination reveals a positive Tinel's sign. (The patient experiences pain along the nerve following percussion over the nerve at the ankle.)
• Weight bearing radiographs help to identify bony abnormalities and reveal abnormalities in hind foot alignment.

• Magnetic resonance imaging studies help to rule out soft-tissue lesions like tumors, lipomas, varicosities, enlargements in nerves, soft tissue inflammation, etc.

• Nerve conduction studies and electromyography may be used to study the function of the nerve.

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)