Ankle sprains are common and unfortunately, generally, the rehabilitation from them can occasionally be inadequate. One particular problem that often follows an ankle sprain is a problem called sinus tarsi syndrome. The sinus tarsi is a small tunnel of bone between the talus and the calcaneus (two rearfoot bones). The sinus or tunnel is full of ligaments and sensory structures. In an ankle sprain theses internal ligaments can get strained and often missed at the initial diagnosis. It is not until the swelling goes down and there is a chronic problem that sinus tarsi syndrome gets diagnosed. The pain of sinus tarsi syndrome is often felt on the outside of the ankle after the initial ankle sprain pain starts to go down. The treatment of sinus tarsi syndrome is usually with physical therapy and manipulation. There is another type of sinus tarsi syndrome that is due to a very flat or pronated foot. In this foot type, the outside of the sinus tarsi gets compressed and causes problems on the outside of the ankle. This type of sinus tarsi syndrome is also treated with physical therapy, but generally needs foot orthotics to correct the flat foot. Anyone with pain on teh outside of the ankle needs to be checked for sinus tarsi syndrome.
Related posts: