If your feet burn, tingle, or constantly feel like they’re “falling asleep” even when you’ve been resting, it’s easy to assume it’s just fatigue after a long day. However, when those burning or “pins and needles” sensations keep coming back—especially along the inside of the ankle and the sole of the foot—it could be a sign of tarsal tunnel syndrome, a common nerve condition that can often be treated effectively with early care. Seeing our experienced podiatry specialists in NJ can help identify the cause of your symptoms and provide the right treatment before the condition worsens.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a narrow passageway on the inside of the ankle called the tarsal tunnel, becomes compressed or irritated. It’s often described as the foot’s version of carpal tunnel syndrome. Because that nerve supplies sensation to the sole, heel, and toes, compression there can produce burning, tingling, numbness, or electric-shock-like pain that shows up anywhere from the ankle down to the arch and toes.
What Causes It
The tarsal tunnel is a tight space bordered by bone and a thick ligament, so anything that adds pressure inside it can irritate the nerve. Common contributors include:
- Flat feet or fallen arches, which stretch and compress the nerve with every step
- Swelling from an ankle sprain, fracture, or other injury
- Cysts, varicose veins, or soft-tissue growths pressing on the nerve
- Systemic conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis that cause swelling or nerve sensitivity
- Repetitive strain from standing, walking, or running on hard surfaces
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Recognizing the Symptoms
Tarsal tunnel syndrome doesn’t always look the same from one patient to the next, but the pattern usually includes burning or tingling along the inside of the ankle and into the bottom of the foot, numbness in the toes or heel, a sensation of pins and needles that worsens with standing or walking, and pain that can radiate up toward the calf. Symptoms are often worse at night or after long periods on your feet, and they may temporarily improve with rest.
How It’s Diagnosed
Because burning and tingling feet can stem from several different problems — including diabetic neuropathy, poor circulation, or a pinched nerve higher up in the spine — an accurate diagnosis matters. A thorough evaluation typically includes a physical exam that checks for tenderness and a positive Tinel’s sign (a tingling sensation when the nerve is tapped), along with imaging or nerve conduction studies when the picture isn’t clear. Ruling out other causes of foot numbness is just as important as confirming tarsal tunnel syndrome itself.
Treatment Options
Most cases respond well to conservative, non-surgical care before more invasive options are ever considered:
- Custom orthotics or supportive footwear to reduce pressure on the nerve
- Rest, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy to improve foot mechanics and reduce strain
- Targeted nerve blocks or guided injections to calm inflammation around the nerve
When conservative measures aren’t enough, more advanced interventional options may be discussed, with surgical release reserved for cases that don’t respond to less invasive care.
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Don’t Ignore Burning or Numb Feet
Nerve pain in the feet tends to get worse the longer it’s left unaddressed, and early treatment generally means a faster, simpler recovery. TeamMD’s pain management and podiatry specialists across our New Jersey and Pennsylvania locations work together to pinpoint the source of foot and ankle nerve pain and build a treatment plan suited to your lifestyle and goals.
Ready to Get Answers About Your Foot Pain?
If burning, tingling, or numbness in your feet is affecting your daily life, TeamMD’s specialists can help identify the cause and the right path forward.
Call (908) 827-6086 or book an appointment online with the TeamMD team today.
