Tibial nerve entrapment — better known as tarsal tunnel syndrome — is a compression of the main nerve to the sole, as it passes behind the inner ankle. It causes burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the sole. So what is tarsal tunnel syndrome, and how do we treat it? What is the tarsal [...]
Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, also called deep peroneal nerve entrapment, s an uncommon form of nerve entrapment at the top of the foot. It's caused by compression of the deep peroneal nerve, leading to pain and altered sensation over the top of the foot. So what is anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, and how do [...]
Pain over the cuboid — the bone on the outer side of the midfoot — is a common but often-misdiagnosed cause of lateral foot pain. The commonest reason is cuboid syndrome, but there are others worth knowing about. So why does the cuboid bone hurt, and how do we treat it? Where is [...]
The spring ligament, also known as the plantar calcaneonavicular ligament, is a key structure supporting the foot's medial arch. It connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to the navicular and works alongside the posterior tibial tendon to maintain the arch. A spring ligament sprain or tear can cause significant pain, loss of function, and, in [...]
Kager's fat pad, also known as the pre-Achilles fat pad, is an important structure at the back of the ankle. Sometimes it's a direct source of pain, particularly in athletes and active people. More often, oedema within the fat pad is a sign of another problem, such as Achilles tendonitis. This article looks at [...]
Finding a bump on the side of your foot can be alarming, especially if it causes discomfort or interferes with daily activities. Most lumps are benign, but some are more concerning. This guide covers the causes of a lump on the side of the foot — the inner or outer edge — and how [...]
Inner ankle pain — also called medial ankle pain — is common in active people and athletes. The inner ankle is a complex region of bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves, which makes it prone to a range of injuries. So what causes pain on the inside of the ankle, and how do we diagnose [...]
Ankle sprains are common injuries, often occurring during sports or everyday activities. They're usually associated with ligament damage — but nerve injuries can also occur, leading to burning pain after an ankle sprain if left untreated. Understanding the symptoms of nerve damage after an ankle sprain, the nerves most commonly affected, and the treatment [...]
Stress fractures of the ankle occur in active people — athletes, military recruits, and sportspeople. They're more common in the metatarsal, navicular, and calcaneus bones. A stress fracture in the talus is a less common cause of ankle pain and swelling. So how do talar stress fractures present, and what do we do about [...]
The soleus muscle is a large, powerful, deep muscle in the calf, vital for everyday activities such as walking and running. Some people have an extra soleus muscle in the lower calf, called an accessory soleus muscle. Sometimes this accessory muscle causes problems, including unexplained pain in the calf and ankle. So what is [...]
