Which condition is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the ankle?

Which condition is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the ankle?

• A. Gout
• B. Achilles tendon
• C. Contracture
• D. Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Answer: (D)

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes behind the medial malleolus in a confined space creates a neuropathy known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. When the nerve is squeezed within this tarsal tunnel, symptoms show up on the plantar surface of the foot and toes—numbness, tingling, and burning that may worsen with standing or walking and sometimes at night. You might also notice weakness of intrinsic foot muscles and a positive Tinel sign behind the ankle as the nerve is tapped. This choice is the best fit because it specifically describes a nerve compression in the ankle region affecting the posterior tibial nerve, whereas the other options relate to non-neuropathic conditions: gout is a crystal-induced joint inflammation, Achilles tendon issues involve a tendon, and contracture refers to a fixed shortening of soft tissue rather than a nerve compression.

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes behind the medial malleolus in a confined space creates a neuropathy known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. When the nerve is squeezed within this tarsal tunnel, symptoms show up on the plantar surface of the foot and toes—numbness, tingling, and burning that may worsen with standing or walking and sometimes at night. You might also notice weakness of intrinsic foot muscles and a positive Tinel sign behind the ankle as the nerve is tapped.

This choice is the best fit because it specifically describes a nerve compression in the ankle region affecting the posterior tibial nerve, whereas the other options relate to non-neuropathic conditions: gout is a crystal-induced joint inflammation, Achilles tendon issues involve a tendon, and contracture refers to a fixed shortening of soft tissue rather than a nerve compression.