Tarsal Tunnel syndrome is an extremely painful condition. There is no magic bullet in the treatment of Tarsal Tunnel. Surgery, bracing, orthotics are all accepted treatments for Tarsal Tunnel syndrome. One of the key items when treating Tarsal Tunnel is you need to know what is causing your Tarsal Tunnel. If there is a mass such as a ganglionic cyst causing your Tarsal Tunnel, orthotics will be ineffective in the treatment of your Tarsal Tunnel.
So can orthotics, help Tarsal Tunnel? The answer is yes, in some cases. The Tibialis Posterior Tendon is the tendon that runs along the Tarsal Tunnel. Sometimes that tendon can become inflamed causing the Tunnel to constrict which causes the Tarsal Tunnel symptoms. The Posterior Tibial Tendon also supports the arch, so if you can help support the arch, this will decrease the strain and inflammation on the tendon, thus reducing symptoms. Another cause is if you have excessive pronation it can cause an orientation of the tendon that leads to Tarsal Tunnel. So, what does this mean when looking for an orthotic? You want an orthotic with a deep heel cup. This will allow your orthotic to stabilize unneccesary movements that will help correct faulty biomechanics contributing to Tarsal Tunnel. The other trait you want in an orthotic is a solid arch to take stress off the Tarsal Tunnel. So below I have listed what I believe are the best orthotics or insoles for Tarsal Tunnel:
Orthaheel orthotics– This orthotic checks all the boxes with a deep heel cup as well as solid arch support. It may not be the most comfortable orthotic you will find but it will give you the support and motion control that you need in an orthotic for Tarsal Tunnel.
Powerstep Orthotic– Probably my favorite orthotic for Tarsal Tunnel. Remember what I said about heel cup? This orthotic has what I believe is the deepest heel cup available in an over the counter orthotic. It also does not hurt that it is one of the most dispensed orthotics by Podiatrists.