What is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?

The sinus tarsi is a tunnel between two of your ankle bones.  This tunnel can become injured from an inversion ankle sprain, especially if the sprain was severe!  People who sprain their ankles often, or do a lot of standing/walking are more at risk for developing this condition.  Individuals who are over-pronators or have flat feet can also put extra strain on this tunnel and cause irritation.

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Acupuncture Oakville: Symptoms of Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

The biggest indicator of this sinus tarsi syndrome is pain on the outside of the ankle, right in front of the lateral malleolus (the bump on the outside of your ankle).  Pain is most noticeable when weight-bearing.  The pain in this area may be accompanied by a feeling of instability in the ankle, swelling on the outside of the ankle or difficulty walking on unstable/uneven surfaces. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please start icing your ankle after prolonged physical activity or standing.

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Acupuncture for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Oakville

The sinus tarsi is a deep structure of the ankle.  Our acupuncturist says it’s not directly accessible to the hands of a practitioner.  This is where acupuncture can be so valuable!  There is an acupuncture point that can be inserted right into the ankle joint and affect the deep ligaments of the ankle.

More treatment options for sinus tarsi syndrome in Oakville

Inserting a needle into the joint can help flush out the inflammation and decrease the persistent swelling that is often present in individuals with this condition.  The needling techniques also help to draw blood flow to the injured area and promotes healing.  This is particularly helpful for individuals who chronically injure their ankles.  The healing response dampens over time, so inserting a needle into this area can make sure the body doesn’t forget about the injury and keeps trying to heal it!

Treating the surrounding muscles is also beneficial when dealing with sinus tarsi syndrome.  The muscles on the outside of the lower leg can become strained after an ankle sprain.  Painless acupuncture points in the outside of the leg can help stimulate these muscles and speed up the healing process.  Additionally, treating the calf muscles with acupuncture helps to stimulate the same nerves that innervate the ankle joint, and this can help to decrease pain and recovery time! If you are suffering from knee pain due to compensation from your ankle injury try acupuncture! Most of our sinus tarsi patients have had chronic ankle sprains and were improper footwear. Oakville orthotics at our clinic can help with ankle biomechanics and choosing a shoe that is supportive will improve overall foot pronation.

Learn more about acupuncture in Oakville for ankle sprains and sinus tarsi

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Try these ankle exercises to improve your strength and recover more quickly!  If the exercises are a little bit uncomfortable – that’s ok, but they should never be painful.  If you have a small increase in pain after the exercises, it should not last for longer than 30 minutes to 1 hour.  Any increased pain that lingers longer than that is not good, and you should talk to Dr. Steve or Dr. Jenn before continuing! Icing will also be your best friend to help with swelling. Make sure you are covering your ice pack and icing for 20minutes on, 20 minutes off! For more information on icing click here

We see all types of foot and ankle injuries at our Oakville based clinic. From catching a curb while running to the go train to a small pot hole in the field at Abbey Park High School. You name it our team has treated it. Most chronic ankle injuries that require a stability exercise program are from chronic Sinus Tarsi Syndrome. This is basically  a chronic swelling on the outside of the patients ankle/foot area. Number one procedure for ankle sprains are ice and proper supportive shoes!