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If you often feel burning, tingling, or numbness in your foot or ankle, you might be dealing with tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition can make walking or even resting painful. At Unpain Clinic, we meet many people who’ve tried stretching, massage, or new shoes—only to have the pain come back. In this article, we’ll explain what’s happening inside your foot, what causes tarsal tunnel syndrome, and how we can help you find relief using advanced, non-invasive treatments like shockwave therapy and EMTT.
(Results may vary. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical advice.)
Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens when a nerve in your ankle—the tibial nerve—gets squeezed or pinched. This nerve runs along the inside of your ankle, behind a small bony bump. When there isn’t enough space in that area (the “tarsal tunnel”), the nerve becomes irritated, leading to burning, tingling, or shooting pain in your foot.
You might notice the pain more at night, or after long periods on your feet. Sometimes, even a light tap on the inside of your ankle can send a shock-like feeling through your foot—a common sign called Tinel’s sign.
Anything that adds pressure or swelling inside the tarsal tunnel can cause nerve irritation. Common causes include:
Many people have more than one cause—like a previous ankle sprain plus flat feet—so a full-body assessment helps uncover the real reason behind the pain.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome often lingers because the underlying problem isn’t fixed. Painkillers or rest may help temporarily, but if your foot mechanics, posture, or old injuries are causing the compression, the pain can easily return.
At Unpain Clinic, we look beyond the foot. Weak hips, tight calves, or poor posture can all lead to more strain on the ankle. By identifying these links, we focus not just on where it hurts—but why it hurts.
Studies show that most people improve without surgery when treated early with physical therapy, supportive footwear, and non-invasive therapies. In severe or long-term cases, where the nerve is heavily compressed, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure. But newer treatments like shockwave therapy and EMTT have shown great promise in restoring nerve health and reducing pain—without surgery.
Research suggests that shockwave therapy can help nerves heal faster and improve their function. One study found it helped reduce pain and improve nerve signals in people with chronic tarsal tunnel pain. EMTT (Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy) uses gentle magnetic pulses to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, helping the nerve recover naturally.
We use a combination of modern technology and hands-on therapy to relieve pain and restore normal movement.
1. Shockwave Therapy
Our focused shockwave therapy sends sound waves deep into the tissue to break up scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow. It’s safe, non-invasive, and backed by strong scientific evidence. Most people feel improvement within 3–5 sessions.
2. EMTT (Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy)
This high-energy magnetic field therapy improves cell healing and reduces swelling. It’s painless and complements shockwave therapy beautifully. EMTT helps calm irritated nerves and boost overall recovery.
3. Neuromodulation
In chronic nerve pain cases, we may use gentle electrical stimulation to “reset” nerve activity. This helps reduce pain signals and makes other treatments more effective.
4. Manual Therapy and Exercise
Our physiotherapists and chiropractors use manual techniques to loosen tight muscles and joints, improving how your foot and ankle move. We’ll also teach you:
Nerve gliding exercises – gentle movements that help the nerve move freely
Calf and foot stretches – to reduce pressure in the tunnel
Arch strengthening – to support proper foot alignment
5. Footwear and Orthotics
Wearing shoes with proper arch support and space around the ankle is crucial. We’ll help you choose footwear that supports recovery and may recommend custom orthotics to reduce strain on the nerve.
One of our clients, a 45-year-old avid walker, had burning pain for months and was told it was “plantar fasciitis.” After her assessment, we discovered it was actually tarsal tunnel syndrome caused by flat feet and old scar tissue. Using shockwave therapy, EMTT, exercises, and custom orthotics, her symptoms improved after just a few weeks. Within two months, she was walking pain-free again.
Burning, tingling, or numbness in the foot or ankle, especially after standing or walking.
Usually not. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatments like shockwave therapy and exercise.
Mild cases may improve in a few weeks. More chronic cases can take a few months of consistent care.
Yes—low-impact activities like swimming or cycling are best during recovery.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be frustrating, but it’s treatable. By finding and fixing the root cause—not just the symptoms—you can get lasting relief. With the right combination of shockwave therapy, EMTT, exercises, and professional guidance, you can walk, work, and move comfortably again.
Book Your Initial Assessment NowAt Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
Personalized treatment roadmap
Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
60 minutes, assessment only
No treatment in this visit
👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
A licensed Registered Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
🔜 What Happens Next
If you’re a fit, we schedule your first treatment and start executing your plan.
🌟 Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Whole-body assessment, not symptom-chasing
Root-cause focus, not temporary relief
Non-invasive where possible
No long-term upsells — just honest, effective care
🎯 Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
