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).

Diet, Exercise and Body Manipulations