Foot Numbness and Tingling: Could It Be Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

The Nerve, Muscle & Joint Health Newsletter

Understanding Your Condition

If you’ve been noticing burning, numbness, or tingling along the bottom of your foot or toes, it may not be a circulation problem — it could be a compressed nerve. One of the most common and overlooked causes is tarsal tunnel syndrome.

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of your ankle that houses the posterior tibial nerve — the nerve that controls sensation in the bottom of the foot. When the tunnel becomes too tight due to swelling, injury, flat feet, or inflammation, the nerve gets compressed, causing:

• Burning or tingling in the arch, heel, or toes
• Numbness that comes and goes, especially after standing or walking
• Sharp or shooting pain into the foot

These symptoms are easy to confuse with plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, or a pinched nerve in the back — all of which require very different treatment. That’s why an accurate diagnosis matters.

At Hands-On EMG, we use advanced diagnostic tools such as Nerve Testing (EMG/NCS) and Musculoskeletal Ultrasound to identify exactly which nerve is affected, where, and how severely — so your care is targeted at the actual source of your symptoms.

Wellness Corner

Simple Movements to Ease Foot and Ankle Discomfort

These gentle exercises may help reduce tension in the foot and ankle. Always move slowly and stop if anything causes sharp pain. Talk to your provider before starting anything new.

1. Ankle Circles

Sit in a chair, lift one foot, and slowly rotate your ankle 10 times in each direction. Switch feet. Improves circulation and ankle mobility.

2. Calf Stretch

Stand facing a wall, step one foot back, keep the heel flat, and lean forward until you feel a gentle stretch in your calf. Hold 20–30 seconds per side. Tight calves increase pressure through the ankle.

3. Toe Spreading

Spread your toes as wide as you comfortably can, hold 5 seconds, relax. Repeat 10 times. Activates the small muscles of the foot without straining the nerve.

4. Plantar Roll

Roll a tennis ball or water bottle under your foot for 1–2 minutes per side using light pressure. Helps relieve tension along the arch.

Helpful Tips

• Wear supportive footwear — avoid flat shoes or going barefoot on hard floors
• Take seated breaks every 30–40 minutes if you stand for long periods
• Elevate your feet when resting to reduce ankle swelling

Spotlight on Excellence

Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos

PT, DPT, MD, PhD, DSc, ECs

Co-Founder

Dr. Dimitrios Kostopoulos is an internationally recognized leader and pioneer in diagnostic testing within physical therapy and musculoskeletal medicine, with more than 38 years of clinical experience. As a Board-Certified Clinical Electrophysiology Specialist (ECS), Dr. Kostopoulos holds advanced doctoral degrees in Clinical Electrophysiology, Physical Therapy, and Medicine, making him one of the most highly credentialed experts in the field of neuromusculoskeletal diagnostics.

He serves as Residency Director for the Hands-On Diagnostics Clinical Electrophysiology Residency Program, one of the most advanced training programs in Electromyography (EMG), Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS), and Neuro-Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (NMSKUS). His academic appointments have included past Clinical Affiliate Assistant Professor at Florida Atlantic University’s Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine and guest lecturer at numerous academic institutions, where he has taught and mentored thousands of healthcare professionals in the application of advanced diagnostics.

As Co-Founder of Hands-On Companies, Dr. Kostopoulos has been instrumental in advancing the integration of diagnostic testing into physical therapy practice, helping transform the profession’s scope and impact on patient care. He has authored multiple books, research articles, and publications, and served as Associate Editor of the Diagnostic Section of the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

A globally recognized authority in electrodiagnostic medicine, myofascial pain, and musculoskeletal ultrasound, Dr. Kostopoulos continues to lead efforts in education, clinical practice, research, and healthcare entrepreneurship. His contributions have earned him numerous awards for clinical excellence, education, and innovation in healthcare business development.

Did You Know?

Foot numbness doesn’t always start in the foot. A compressed nerve in the ankle, knee, or lower back can cause symptoms felt only in the foot, with little or no pain at the source. Proper nerve testing traces the problem back to its origin so treatment goes to the right place.

Know Someone Who Needs Help?

If you or someone you know is experiencing numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, or other nerve, muscle, or joint-related symptoms, Hands-On EMG Testing may be able to help provide answers.

With several locations across Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island, we make it easier for patients to access advanced diagnostic testing close to home. Our team provides EMG/NCS and musculoskeletal ultrasound testing to help identify the cause of symptoms and support the right next steps in care.

Ask your physician or provider to refer you, or use our online referral form here.

Feel free to share this newsletter with friends and family members who may benefit from expert diagnostic testing and clearer answers about their symptoms.