Sinus Tarsi Syndrome: Too-Loose Joints

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Stiff joints are ineffective and hard to move—but super-loose joints are not necessarily better. They are unstable and inefficient for supporting weight. This is a problem when that specific joint is expected to handle significant amounts of force and pressure with every step, like the ankle. Sometimes the problem can give rise to conditions like sinus tarsi syndrome.

What Is It?

Sinus tarsi syndrome is a painful injury to the ligaments around the sinus tarsi cavity. This cavity isn’t like the holes you can get in your teeth; it’s meant to be there. It is a small, natural cleft on the outside of the foot in front of the ankle. The little space allows a number of connective tissues to pass safely by the joint; these tissues play an important role in your ankle’s stability and movement. If the ligaments around the sinus tarsi are injured, however, the subtalar joint—the part of your ankle that allows side-to-side rotation—becomes highly unstable. This stresses the connectors in the sinus tarsi and inflames them, causing sinus tarsi syndrome.

The more irritated those connective tissues become, the more pain you’ll experience on the top and outside of your ankle. Typically the pain is a sharp, pinching sensation that worsens when your foot is flexed. Often the discomfort can be somewhat relieved by rest. Since the problem is connected to an instability in your ankle, you may notice unsteadiness when you’re on uneven surfaces as well. Athletes that jump frequently, change direction rapidly, or suffer from repeated ankle sprains, are particularly prone to this injury.

Can It Be Treated?

You’ll need to identify the specific problem and allow it time to heal to completely recover your full strength. Failing to deal with the discomfort is not only painful, but can also deteriorate into chronic ankle instability over time. Our podiatrists will examine your lower limbs and perform various tests, to identify the specific structures affected and rule out other conditions like fractures. Our expert staff may need different diagnostic images to get a clearer picture of the damage.

The most important aspect of treating sinus tarsi syndrome is allowing your ankle to rest. The injured and inflamed connective tissues need to be allowed to relax and recover. This will mean taking a break from your activities for a little while. You’ll need to ice the painful area as well to help lower any swelling. Using a brace or custom orthotics can help stabilize your foot and relieve some of the strain on the joint as it recovers. Once your ankle has healed enough, physical therapy can help recondition your lower limb to handle the strain of your activities. If your pain is persistent, you may need direct injections of anti-inflammatory medications. Only if all this fails is surgery considered a treatment option.

You ankle is a crucial joint for your mobility. You need to take care of it when problems arise to prevent long-term complications from limiting your favorite activities. Sinus tarsi syndrome is uncomfortable, but with a little intentional care, you can restore the painful tissues to full health. Contact Country Foot Care for an appointment or more information about protecting your ankles. Along with calling our offices directly to make an appointment, you can also request an appointment online by clicking on the MAKE AN APPOINTMENT button located at the top of this page.

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