Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Treatment Oakville
At our Oakville Chiropractic and Physiotherapy clinic, we have been successfully treating Sinus Tarsi Syndrome for over 17 years. If you’re dealing with foot pain, especially around the outside of your foot, we can help! Our team is highly experienced in treating foot pain and Sinus Tarsi Syndrome, and we are committed to helping you get back to feeling “normal” again.
What is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome involves swelling or pain on the outer part of the foot, often accompanied by visible swelling around the joint. Vinaya, our Oakville Physiotherapist says “Sinus Tarsi Syndrome occurs when the sinus tarsi, a gap or tunnel between the bones in your ankle, fills with fluid and becomes painful”. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to wear supportive shoes—even when at home—to aid in your recovery.
What causes Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?
Majority of the patients Dr. Steve treats at our Oakville clinic have either a severely dropped arch, flat feet or chronic ankle/foot injuries. Dr. Steve says “Your joints get stuck together with a vacuum pressure within your body. As the fluid increases in the sinus tarsi it increases the pressure of the tarsi joint”. This causes the foot to feel stuck and the bones of your lower leg and foot to be too close together. This is why Dr. Steve says that a proper ankle adjustment is imperative to cure Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
Sinus Tarsi Anatomy Video:
What Is The Best Treatment For Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
At our Oakville clinic, our chiropractors and physiotherapists take a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to treating Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. This begins with an accurate diagnosis and the development of a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s specific needs.
Dr. Steve has unintentionally become one of the leading experts in treating Sinus Tarsi Syndrome in Southern Ontario, providing exceptional care for patients experiencing this condition. Treatment typically includes a combination of advanced techniques such as Suction Interferential Current Therapy (IFC), Shockwave Therapy using a DS20-T Storz Transmitter Head, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy, Active Release Therapy (ART), and precise manual ankle adjustments.
By utilizing these state-of-the-art treatment modalities, our skilled healthcare professionals optimize recovery, reduce pain, and restore proper function, helping patients return to their daily activities as quickly as possible.
Sinus Tarsi Treatment Video:
What Our Patients Are saying
4 Steps For Treating Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Inferential Current (IFC):
At our Oakville clinic, we utilize Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) with suction electrodes, delivering targeted electrical stimulation to promote healing, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Unlike traditional adhesive pads, our suction-based IFC technology is scientifically proven to be more effective, ensuring deeper tissue penetration and better outcomes.
How Does IFC Work?
IFC delivers electrical impulses through suction cups placed on the skin, creating a soothing, deep massage effect. When combined with moist heat therapy, it enhances circulation, relaxes muscles, and improves tissue elasticity, while also flushing out inflammation to accelerate recovery and manage pain.
Our team of qualified professionals offers a customized approach to recovery, using IFC alongside therapies like Shockwave Therapy and Active Release Therapy (ART) for optimal healing.
2. Shockwave Therapy For Sinus Tarsi Syndrome:
Shockwave Therapy is one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments available for musculoskeletal conditions, making it a gold standard in rehabilitative care. This advanced therapy is widely used by our expert chiropractors and physiotherapists in our Oakville clinic to treat conditions such as Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS), Sinus Tarsi Syndrome, tendonitis, muscle tightness, and chronic pain.
How Does Shockwave Therapy Work?
Shockwave Therapy utilizes a pneumatic device that delivers high-energy acoustic waves into the affected tissue. Specifically, Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT) uses an air-powered applicator that propels a bullet against the transmitter head, generating pulses at a high frequency—up to 15 times per second—for a total of approximately 1,500 impulses per session. These acoustic waves penetrate deep into muscles, tendons, and joints to stimulate a healing response at the cellular level.
This therapy promotes increased blood circulation, collagen production, and tissue regeneration, making it especially effective for chronic injuries, scar tissue breakdown, and areas of restricted movement.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Treatment:
At our Oakville clinic, this technique is commonly referred to as scraping. Scraping is performed using specialized metal tools that our skilled chiropractors and physiotherapists use to target affected areas. By applying controlled pressure, this method helps break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation, ultimately promoting improved healing and enhanced range of motion.
While scraping may cause some temporary discomfort, much like Shockwave Therapy, it often provides immediate relief and noticeable results. This evidence-based approach is an essential component of our comprehensive treatment plans, ensuring that patients experience optimal recovery and long-term benefits.
Manual Ankle Adjustment:
Also commonly known as an adjustment, this form of treatment causes your joints to release (making that crack or popping noise). This form of release with help relax your muscles surrounding the joint and reduce pressure, helping to alleviate pain and tightness. The ultimate goal of most treatment for sinus tarsi is to adjust the foot and get it moving properly. Ankle adjustment are only performed by our Oakville chiropractors!
Why Choose Shockwave Therapy For Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
✔ Non-invasive & drug-free – No need for surgery or medications.
✔ Accelerates healing – Stimulates natural tissue repair and regeneration.
✔ Breaks down scar tissue – Improves flexibility and range of motion.
✔ Immediate results – Many patients feel looser and experience reduced pain right away.
✔ Targets deep muscle tension – Goes beyond traditional massage techniques for lasting relief.
Our team of qualified healthcare professionals at our Oakville clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care to help patients heal effectively. Shockwave Therapy is just one of the state-of-the-art treatments we offer to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
What to Expect During Shockwave Treatment
The intensity of the treatment is carefully controlled to ensure it remains within the patient’s comfort level, typically ranging between 0.3 BAR and 2.2 BAR. While some patients describe the sensation as a deep vibration or an “annoying” tapping feeling, most find the short treatment session—usually lasting just a few minutes—highly tolerable.
Because Shockwave Therapy penetrates deeper than a traditional massage, it reaches stubborn, tight, and inflamed areas that may not respond well to other therapies. Many patients report immediate relief after their first session, with continued improvements over subsequent treatments.
Post-Treatment Care & Recovery
Due to the intensity of the therapy, some mild soreness or tenderness may be experienced following treatment. To optimize recovery and minimize discomfort, our chiropractors and physiotherapists recommend applying ice to the treated area immediately after the session. This helps to reduce any temporary inflammation and enhances the overall healing process.
Other Treatment Options For Sinus Tarsi
Acupuncture:
At our Oakville clinic, acupuncture is provided by Dr. Jenn Garven, a skilled practitioner who specializes in medical acupuncture. Dr. Jenn utilizes this proven technique to effectively treat a variety of conditions, including Sinus Tarsi Syndrome.
During an acupuncture session, tiny, fine needles are gently inserted into the skin at specific points around the affected muscles. These needles are left in place for approximately 12 minutes, during which they work to loosen tight muscles, reduce tension, and promote increased blood flow to the area. This enhanced circulation helps to accelerate healing and reduce pain in the targeted muscle groups.
The beauty of acupuncture is that, despite the needles being in place, most patients hardly feel them—many don’t even notice they’re there! This minimally invasive approach provides effective, long-lasting relief while maintaining a high level of patient comfort.
Dr. Jenn’s expertise in medical acupuncture ensures that every treatment is tailored to the unique needs of each patient, providing a highly personalized and professional approach to healing. Whether you’re dealing with Sinus Tarsi Syndrome or other musculoskeletal issues, acupuncture can be a powerful addition to your treatment plan, helping you recover faster and achieve lasting pain relief.
Shoes or Orthotics:
Dr. Steve recommends Asics GT 2000’s to 90% of his patients. Find them on sale, get a pair for home and a pair for work. Can’t wear running shoes at work, check out our custom foot orthotics options at our Oakville clinic. Our Oakville Orthotics will help maintain your arch and decrease the pressure in and around the Tarsi Joint.
Steps for At Home Care of Sinus Tarsi:
1. Ice and Elevation — Ice 20 min on , 20 min off, at least THREE times a day.
— Elevate your foot, lay on your back with your leg up on a wall or by pillows.
2. Supportive footwear and orthotics — This will help maintain your arch and foot stability, as well as stop from crushing the painful area when you walk. Click here for Orthotics in Oakville
3. Rest — There are only a few conditions that call for rest, this is one of them. Take 2 – 3 weeks off from any extended walks or demanding gym workouts.
If you have any questions about Sinus Tarsi feel free to call us!
Are you looking for Oakville Physiotherapy for your Sinus Tarsi Syndrome? Check out Vinaya our Physiotherapist and book today!
Best at Home Sinus Tarsi Exercises
Are you experiencing Foot pain or think you have Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?
Call our Oakville Physiothearapy and Chiropractic clinic to book an assessment at 905-827-4197
Sinus Tarsi Syndrome FAQs
- What is sinus tarsi syndrome?
- What are the causes of sinus tarsi syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome?
- How is sinus tarsi syndrome treated?
- How long will it take for sinus tarsi syndrome to get better?
- What happens if I don’t treat my sinus tarsi syndrome?
- What shoes are best for sinus tarsi syndrome?
- Can shockwave therapy help my sinus tarsi syndrome?
- Can I still run when I have sinus tarsi syndrome?
- What should I avoid doing with sinus tarsi syndrome?
Sinus tarsi is a bony channel within the foot that can get painful from inflammation, injury or overuse of the foot without proper footwear.
Sinus Tarsi can be caused by overuse of the foot in improper footwear, injury and inflammation through that bony channel.
Symptoms of sinus tarsi can be pain on the side of your foot, swelling and pain when walking.
At Our Oakville Chiropractic clinic sinus tarsi is treated with IFC, HEAT therapy, shockwave and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy.
Ever patient is different, so progression with sinus tarsi syndrome is very individualized but patients usually see a difference in 2-4 weeks.
If you do not treat sinus tarsi your pain will increase and everyday activities like walking or stepping can become difficult and painful.
Shoes with good heel and arch support are essential for sinus tarsi. Shoes like Asics GT 2000 are highly recommended.
Yes, shockwave therapy is a gold standard treatment service for sinus tarsi. It gets in and breaks up that inflammation that puts pressure on that bony channel.
No, it is recommended to take a break from running or long distance walking when you have sinus tarsi syndrome. It is important to take the rest your foot needs.
You should avoid any activities that put any excessive pressure on your foot. This can be seen through running or any long distance walking.