Sinus tarsi syndrome is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the side of the foot between the ankle and heel. It occurs following a single or series of ankle sprains that heal improperly. This leads to joint instability and the formation of scar tissue that presses against small nerves running through the space where leg and foot are joined. Symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome include:
- Pain in the sinus tarsi region (the lateral side of the hindfoot between the ankle and heel).
- Feeling of instability made worse by weight bearing, particularly on uneven surfaces.
Dancers, volleyball and basketball players, overweight persons, and people with flatfeet most commonly report this type of pain and tenderness.
Conservative treatments are typically effective for sinus tarsi syndrome. These may include immobilization, stable shoes, anti-inflammatory medications, ankle sleeve and othoses.