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$Title{Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome}
$Subject{Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Posterior Tibial Nerve Neuralgia
Erythromelalgia Burning Feet Syndrome Gopalan Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Copyright (C) 1987, 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc.

370:
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

** IMPORTANT **
It is possible the main title of the article (Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome) is
not the name you expected.  Please check the SYNONYMS listing to find the
alternate names, disorder subdivisions, and related disorders covered by this
article.

Synonyms

     Posterior Tibial Nerve Neuralgia

Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related
Disorders section of this report:

     Erythromelalgia
     Burning Feet Syndrome, also known as Gopalan Syndrome
     Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

General Discussion

** REMINDER **
The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for
educational purposes only.  It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment
purposes.  If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please
contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources"
section of this report.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome involves pressure on nerves to the foot causing
pain.  Persons with this disorder may notice a painful burning or tingling
sensation in and around the ankles, sometimes extending to the toes.  The
disorder usually affects people who stand on their feet for long periods of
time.

Symptoms

The initial symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome are swelling of the feet,
painful burning, tingling or numb sensations in the lower legs.  Symptoms can
become more intense and extend to leg muscles after standing for long periods
during the day.  These symptoms usually diminish with successful treatment.

Causes

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can be caused by a number of different conditions
which can compress the tibial nerve at the ankle.  Benign tumors (usually
composed of fat cells), bone spurs, cysts, and inflammation of the tendon
sheath may use Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Affected Population

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome can begin at any age but is usually related to
activities which involve long periods of standing.  This disorder seems to
affect males and females in equal numbers.

Related Disorders

Erythromelalgia is a syndrome of sudden intensive dilation of blood vessels
(paroxysmal vasodilation).  This causes intense burning pain, increased skin
temperature, and redness of the feet and, less often, the hands.  (For more
information on this disorder, choose "Erythromelalgia" as your search term
in the Rare Disease Database).

Burning Feet Syndrome, also known as Gopalan Syndrome, is thought to be
caused by a possible deficiency of a B Vitamin or pantothenic acid.  Severe
burning, aching and cramp-like pains in the soles of the feet (and possibly
palms of the hands) can occur.  Often, a sensation like pins and needles
appears.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome results from compression of the median nerve in
the wrist (between the tendons of forearm muscles and the carpal ligament in
the hand).  This compression produces abnormal sensations in the hand plus
pain in the wrist, the palm, or in the forearm.  Commonly, patients feel that
their hand "falls asleep" often.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is relatively
common.  It may occur in one or both hands and it is seen more often in
women.  It often occurs in patients with acromegaly, myxedema, rheumatoid
arthritis and also in people with occupations that require repeated forceful
wrist flexion (e.g. carpenters).  (For more information, choose "Neuropathy,
Peripheral" as your search term in the Rare Disease Database).

Therapies:  Standard

When the nerve of the foot is not under continuous pressure, drugs (usually
in ointment form) may be useful to treat local inflammations and ease muscle
pain in Tarpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Immobilizing the foot or inserting a device
in the shoe to reduce tension on the nerve may improve symptoms.  Surgery
should be reserved for cases that do not respond to more conservative
treatment.  This disorder can usually be treated by Orthopedic Surgeons or
Podiatrists.

Therapies:  Investigational

This disease entry is based upon medical information available through March
1987.  Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every
entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate.  Please
check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current
information about this disorder.

Resources

For more information on Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, please contact:

     National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
     P.O. Box 8923
     New Fairfield, CT  06812-1783
     (203) 746-6518

     The National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information
Clearinghouse
     Box AMS
     Bethesda, MD  20892
     (301) 495-4484

References

TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:  E.L. Radin; Clin Orthop (Dec. 1983, issue 181).  Pp.
167-170.

TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME.  A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE:
G.M. O'Malley, et. al.; Orthopedics (June 1985, issue 8(6)).  Pp. 758-760.