GENERAL INFORMATION
The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the ankle’s inner aspect. The critical nerves, blood vessels and tendons pass through. It is a conduit for structures travelling from the leg to the foot. Similarly, the tarsal tunnel is analogous to the carpal tunnel in the wrist.
ORIGIN
The tarsal tunnel does not have an origin. It is a defined anatomical region rather than a muscle or structure.
INSERTION POINT
The tarsal tunnel does not have an insertion point either, as it is a defined anatomical region rather than a muscle or structure.
MAJOR ARTERIES
The major arteries supplying the structures within the muscle include:
- Posterior tibial artery
- Peroneal artery
These arteries provide oxygenated blood to the structures passing through the tunnel.
NEURAL INNERVATION
It is innervated by several nerves, including:
- Posterior tibial nerve: This is the main nerve responsible for supplying sensation to the sole and innervating various muscles in the foot.
- Branches of the sural nerve: These nerves provide sensory innervation to the lateral and posterior aspects of the foot.
TRIGGER POINT
The tarsal tunnel does not have specific trigger points as it is a region through which nerves as well as blood vessels pass.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The tarsal tunnel does not have a concentric function since it is an anatomical region rather than a muscle or structure.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The tarsal tunnel does not have an eccentric function either, as it is an anatomical region rather than a muscle or structure.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The tarsal tunnel does not have an isometric function as it is an anatomical region rather than a muscle or structure.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- There are no specific muscles associated with the tarsal tunnel.
ANTAGONIST
- The antagonist to the structures passing through the tunnel would be any force or condition that compresses or impairs the function of the nerves, blood vessels or tendons within the tunnel.
COMMON INJURIES
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or irritated within the tunnel, leading to pain, numbness and tingling sensations in the foot.
EXERCISES
- Stretching exercises: Various stretching exercises can help relieve pressure on the structures within the tunnel, such as calf stretches and plantar fascia stretches.
- Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the muscles of the foot and ankle can help provide support and stability to the structures passing through the tunnel.
STRETCHES
- Calf stretches: Performing calf stretches can help alleviate tension on the structures within the tunnel.
- The plantar fascia stretches: Stretching the plantar fascia, a band of tissue on the sole, can help relieve pressure on the tunnel.