Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a compression, or squeezing, on the posterior tibial nerve that produces symptoms anywhere along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.

Symptoms of this ailment include:

Pain and tingling in and around ankles
Swelling of the feet
Electric shock sensations
Pain radiating up into the leg, and down into the arch, heel, and toes
Hot and cold sensations in the feet
A feeling as though the feet do not have enough padding
Burning sensation on the bottom of foot that radiates upward

Because it’s difficult to determine the exact cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, it’s important to determine the source of the problem. Certain items that could cause compression of the nerve include benign tumors or cysts, bone spurs, inflammation of the tendon sheath,ganglions, or swelling from a broken or sprained ankle. Other culprits include varicose veins, as well.

TTS tends to be more common in athletes or individuals who tend to do a lot of standing as these people commonly put an excessive amount of stress on the tarsal tunnel area.