What is the Difference Between Plantar Fasciitis and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome are two foot-related conditions that cause pain, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here are the main differences between the two:

Plantar Fasciitis:

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the ball of the foot.
Common causes include overuse, too much stress on the feet, or strain of the plantar fascia.
Pain is typically located on the bottom of the foot, primarily near the heel.
Pain is usually worse in the morning upon waking and may lessen throughout the day but return with long periods of standing or after sitting.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:

Occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel, which is located near the heel and allows the nerve to travel into the sole of the foot.
Compression can be caused by fallen arches, swelling due to ankle injury or disease, or bone spurs.
Pain is more often described as burning or tingling and is felt with palpation just below the ankle bone.
Symptoms may be worse in the morning upon waking, but typically increase throughout the day, are present at rest and sometimes at night, and interfere with sleep.

Treatment options for both conditions may include medications to treat inflammation, over-the-counter pain relievers, custom orthotics, night splints, and physical therapy. However, the specific treatments and their effectiveness may vary depending on the condition and its severity. It is essential to seek an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment plan for each individual case.

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What is the Difference Between Plantar Fasciitis and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Comparative Table: Plantar Fasciitis vs Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Feature	Plantar Fasciitis	Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Definition	Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue connecting the heel bone to the ball of the foot.	Compression or squeezing of the tibial nerve, which runs through a narrow tunnel on the inside of the ankle.
Causes	Overuse, too much stress on the feet, or strain of the plantar fascia. Flat feet, high arches, ankle injuries, irregular growths, and certain body-wide conditions.
Symptoms	Pain along the soles of the feet, particularly in the heel area. Pain is usually worse in the morning and improves throughout the day.	Pain along the soles of the feet, focal pain in the inside of the heel, numbness, and tingling. Pain gets worse as the day goes on.
Diagnosis	Based on symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies if necessary.	Based on symptoms, physical examination, and imaging studies if necessary.
Treatment	Conservative options: ice packs, oral anti-inflammatories, steroid injections, custom orthotics, night splints, and physical therapy. Minimally invasive treatments: extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT).	Conservative options: over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, ice packs, steroid injections, well-fitting shoes, custom orthotics, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Both plantar fasciitis and tarsal tunnel syndrome cause pain along the soles of the feet, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment and management of the condition.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.