Definition of Tarsal tunnel syndrome Tarsal tunnel syndrome: A
type of compression neuropathy (nerve disease due to compression
of the nerve) in the ankle and foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
(TTS) is similar to the better-known carpal tunnel syndrome
(CTT) caused by compression and irritation of the median nerve
within the carpal tunnel, a bony canal in the palm side of the
wrist that provides passage for the median nerve to the hand.
The irritation of the median nerve is specifically due to
pressure from the transverse carpal ligament. Anatomy similar to
that of the wrist and hand exists in the ankle and foot. Tarsal
is a word from Latin which means ankle. The sensory nerve in the
ankle passes through the tarsal tunnel and can be compressed and
irritated causing numbness and tingling of the foot and toes.
This condition is far less common the carpal tunnel syndrome
(CTS). Both CTS and TTS are usually due to trauma from
repetitive work involving the wrist and ankle, respectively.
Other factors predisposing to TT