Sinus Tarsi Syndrome - Medtick

Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

What is it?

An inflammatory (hot , red and swollen) reaction found within the sinus tarsi tunnel.

  • This is a tunnel, or an anatomical depression between the talus and the calcaneus, in the subtalar joint.
  • The subtalar joint consists of the talus on the top and the calcaneus (heel bone) on the bottom.
  • Within the tunnel lies several soft tissue structures: internal ligaments, muscles, nerves, blood vessels and fat. These structures contribute to the balance and stability of the ankle.
  • When this area gets inflamed, pain results from sinus tarsi syndrome may be from injury to the ligaments, and instability of the subtalar joint
  • The sinus tarsi is the lateral entry point to the subtalar joint and the syndrome occurs when one has trauma to this joint.
  • Sinus tarsi syndrome is found equally in men and women.
  • Sinus tarsi syndrome is found in adults between the ages of 18 to 50 years of age.

Diagnostic Tests

Tests for ankle sprains include:

 

Tests for ankle fracture:

 

Dorsiflexion External Rotation Stress Test | Syndesmosis Injury

The Syndesmosis Squeeze Test | Syndesmosis Injury

The Cotton Test | Syndesmosis Injury

 

Cause

  • Trauma to foot
  • Instability of the sinus tarsi joints
  • Long-term ankle sprains
  • Running and in other sports that involve repetitive stress on the outside of the ankle and foot complex.
  • Weak ligament in the ankle (talofibular ligament)
  • Cysts
  • Degenerative changes (progressive and often irreversible deterioration; loss of function in the tissues)
  • Injury to the  muscle located on the top of the foot (extensor digitorum brevis muscle)
  • A severely pronated foot ( a pronated foot is the natural way in which the foot moves/lands when walking or running)

Symptoms

  • Chronic (long-term) pain along the front and side aspect (anterolateral) of the ankle?
  • Joint pain and stiffness (Ankle stiffness) especially first thing in the morning?
  • Pain when the foot is turned in or turned out especially when walking on uneven surfaces?
  • A feeling of instability of the foot or ankle (when bearing weight)and or ankle feels loose when rotating and/or rolling the foot?
  • Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces?
  • ankle swelling?
  • Bruising of the skin around the ankle?
  • Pain gets worst during movement and calms down at rest?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

General tips

  1. Rest – stop the exercise or activities that caused the injury until you feel better
  2. Ice – put an ice pack (you could use a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel) on the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
  3. Compress – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it
  4. Elevate – if possible, keep the injured area raised on a pillow when sitting or lying down

To help prevent swelling during the first 2 to 3 days, try to avoid:

  • Heat, such as hot baths and heat packs
  • Alcohol
  • Massages

When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the tendon doesn’t become stiff.

Do

  • Warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards
  • Wear suitable shoes for exercise
  • Take regular breaks from repetitive exercises

Don’t

  • Over-exercise tired muscles
  • Start a new sport without some training or practice
  • Stick to the same repetitive exercises

NHS.UK

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Sinus Tarsi Syndrome in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

  • NHS

    Find information and advice on health conditions, symptoms, healthy living, medicines and how to get help (British National Health Service).

  • Medscape

    Latest medical news and expert commentary in your specialty as well as disease information.

  • Pharmaceutical Journal

    The Pharmaceutical Journal covers analysis, features, opinion, learning and careers articles, providing insight and knowledge about drugs, pharmacy practice, medicines use and healthcare policy in the context of the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical science.

  • Healthline

    Medical Information and health advice you can trust

  • ChatGPT

    Get instant answers, find creative inspiration, and learn something new.

  • Medical News Today

    Medical news and health news headlines posted throughout the day, every day.

  • WebMD

    Better Information. Better Health.

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Pushing the Standards of care.

  • Mayo Clinic

    No.1 Hospital in the Nation (America)

  • Drugs.com

    Know more. Be sure.

  • National Organisation of Rare Diseases

    NORD is dedicated to supporting education, elevating care, advancing research, and driving policy for rare diseases.

  • Verywell Health

    Know more. Fell better.

  • Fit for Travel

    Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad.

  • DR Axe

    Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations