Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome vs. Plantar Fasciitis

If you are experiencing heel pain or discomfort in your foot, you may be wondering what is causing it and how to treat it. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis are two common foot conditions that can cause these symptoms. This article will explore the differences between Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis, including their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. It is important to correctly identify which condition you are experiencing to receive the most appropriate treatment.

Table of Contents

What are Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the tibial nerve, which runs through the ankle and into the foot, becomes compressed or pinched. This can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the foot and ankle. The tibial nerve is one of the main nerves in the lower leg and foot and is responsible for transmitting sensations and controlling muscle movements in these areas.

Plantar Fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and occurs when the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes, becomes inflamed or strained. This can cause pain and discomfort in the heel and arch of the foot, particularly when walking or standing for long periods.

Symptoms

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome may include:

Pain, tingling, or numbness in the foot and ankle
A feeling of pins and needles or a tingling sensation in the foot
Weakness or difficulty moving the foot or toes
Swelling or tenderness in the ankle or foot

Plantar Fasciitis

The symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis may include:

Heel pain, particularly when walking or standing for long periods
Pain in the arch of the foot
Stiffness in the heel or foot, especially in the morning
Swelling or tenderness in the heel or foot

Causes

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Several factors may contribute to the development of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, including:

Flat feet or high arches
Injuries or trauma to the foot or ankle
Swelling or inflammation in the ankle or foot
Tumors or cysts in the tarsal tunnel
Narrowing of the tarsal tunnel due to other conditions, such as arthritis

Plantar Fasciitis

Several factors may contribute to the development of Plantar Fasciitis, including:

Overuse or excessive strain on the plantar fascia, such as from long periods of standing or walking, running, or participating in high-impact sports
Wearing shoes that do not provide proper support or have worn-out soles
Flat feet or high arches
Obesity or carrying extra weight
Tightness in the calf muscles
Aging, as the plantar fascia becomes less flexible with age

Diagnosis

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

To diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, your doctor will likely start by asking about your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination of your foot. They may also use imaging tests, such as x-rays or an MRI, to better look at the inside of your foot and check for other potential causes of your foot and ankle pain.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic injection. This involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic into the foot and ankle area. If the injection relieves your pain, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is likely the cause.

Your doctor may also recommend nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to confirm the diagnosis of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. These tests measure the speed and strength of the electrical signals traveling through the tibial nerve and can help to identify any abnormalities or damage to the nerve.

Plantar Fasciitis

To diagnose Plantar Fasciitis, your doctor will likely start by asking about your symptoms and medical history and performing a physical examination of your foot. They may also use imaging tests, such as x-rays or an MRI, to better look at the inside of your foot and check for other potential causes of your heel pain.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a diagnostic injection. This involves injecting a small amount of anesthetic into the area of the heel that is causing pain. If the injection relieves your pain, Plantar Fasciitis is likely the cause.

Treatment

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Treatment for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome may include:

Non-surgical options: Conservative treatment options for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome may include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend stretching and physical therapy exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of your foot and ankle. In some cases, they may prescribe orthotics, special inserts you can place in your shoes to help correct your foot's or arch's imbalances and provide extra support.
Surgical options: If conservative treatment options do not provide sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the pressure on the tibial nerve. The specific type of surgery will depend on the underlying cause of your Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Plantar Fasciitis

Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis may include:

Non-surgical options: Conservative treatment options for Plantar Fasciitis may include rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications to reduce swelling and inflammation. Your doctor may also recommend stretching and physical therapy exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of your foot and ankle. In some cases, they may prescribe orthotics, special inserts you can place in your shoes to help correct your foot's or arch's imbalances and provide extra support. Wearing shoes with good arch support and a sturdy sole can help alleviate Plantar Fasciitis symptoms.
Surgical options: If conservative treatment options do not provide sufficient relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to release the plantar fascia or remove any excess tissue contributing to the inflammation. This surgery is usually only recommended for severe cases of Plantar Fasciitis that have not responded to other treatment options.

Prevention

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, including:

Wearing shoes that provide proper support and cushioning
Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of your foot and ankle
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your feet
Avoiding activities that may cause trauma to your foot or ankle

Plantar Fasciitis

There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing Plantar Fasciitis, including:

Wearing shoes that provide proper support and cushioning
Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the flexibility and strength of your foot and ankle
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce the strain on your feet
Avoiding activities that may cause excessive strain on the plantar fascia, such as long periods of standing or walking or participating in high-impact sports without proper footwear
Gradually increasing the intensity of your physical activity rather than jumping into a new exercise routine too quickly

What Is the Difference Between Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis?

The main difference between Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis is the location and cause of the pain. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects the tibial nerve in the ankle and foot, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in these areas. It is caused by compression or irritation of the tibial nerve, which can be due to various factors, including flat feet, injuries, or swelling in the ankle or foot.

On the other hand, Plantar Fasciitis is a condition that affects the plantar fascia, a ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot from the heel to the toes. It is characterized by heel pain and discomfort in the arch of the foot and is caused by inflammation or strain on the plantar fascia. This can be due to overuse or excessive strain on the plantar fascia, such as from standing or walking for long periods or wearing shoes that do not provide proper support.

It is important to correctly identify which condition you are experiencing to receive the most appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing foot pain, seeing a podiatrist or doctor specializing in foot and ankle care is important. They can help diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment options.

Conclusion

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Plantar Fasciitis are two common foot conditions that can cause pain and discomfort. While they have similar symptoms, they have different causes and treatment options. It is important to correctly identify which condition you are experiencing to receive the most appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing foot pain, seeing a podiatrist or doctor specializing in foot and ankle care is important. They can help diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the most effective treatment options.