Why does tarsal tunnel syndrome cause leg numbness and tingling?

The tibial nerve passes behind the inner ankle through the tarsal tunnel and continues into branches that supply the foot. When the nerve is irritated or crowded, its messages may become distorted. This can feel like pins and needles, burning, crawling, or a patch of reduced sensation. Symptoms may be provoked by standing, walking, or ankle movement and can sometimes travel beyond the ankle. Numbness and tingling in the leg can have other causes, including problems higher in the limb, so the distribution and examination matter.

Notice which footwear, positions, or activities bring on the altered sensation and reduce those triggers while arranging an assessment. Choose shoes that do not squeeze the ankle or foot. A clinician may check sensation, muscle power, reflexes, foot alignment, and ankle movement. Treatment can involve activity changes, physiotherapy, or addressing swelling or another source of pressure, depending on the findings.

Book a medical review if numbness persists, returns often, or affects balance or walking. Seek prompt care for new weakness, foot drop, loss of coordination, or numbness that is rapidly spreading. Emergency assessment is appropriate if symptoms begin suddenly with facial weakness, speech trouble, or weakness on one side of the body.

Ask whether the symptoms fit tibial nerve irritation, whether another nerve level should be checked, and which activities or exercises are suitable. Tell the clinician when symptoms began, where they travel, whether they wake you, and whether ankle injury, swelling, or a health condition may be relevant.