Anatomy
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What is the Sinus Tarsi?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

Two of the main bones that make up the rear portion of the human foot are the talus and the calcaneus. Between them runs a bony canal known as the sinus tarsi. This opening extends up from the heel of the foot into the ankle and contains a variety of structures important for the proper function of the foot.

Several ligaments run through the sinus tarsi, connecting bones within the ankle and the foot. The extensor digitorum brevis muscle runs through it; this muscle helps control the motion of several toes. Numerous blood vessels reside in the canal to bring nourishment to the talus bone. It also contains a high amount of synovial fluid, which is used as a lubricant within some joints to prevent friction.

Damage to the sinus tarsi can hinder mobility because it can greatly affect the stability of the foot.
Damage to the sinus tarsi can hinder mobility because it can greatly affect the stability of the foot.

Damage or inflammation of the tissues in the canal is known as sinus tarsi syndrome. This condition is often a result of an ankle sprain, usually when the foot rolls inward or outward excessively. In some cases, overuse of the joint can aggravate the sinus tarsi as well, particularly if the person has had a previous injury. Certain medical conditions that affect the joints, such as osteoarthritis or gout, may also be to blame.

An injured sinus tarsi may require physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and prevent a recurrence of the injury.
An injured sinus tarsi may require physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and prevent a recurrence of the injury.

Those suffering from sinus tarsi syndrome experience tenderness and pain around the location of the canal, particularly when the foot turns in or out. Any activity where the person puts weight on his or her foot will typically aggravate the situation. Damage to these tissues affects the stability of the foot and ankle, so sufferers may have difficulty navigating, particularly on uneven surfaces.

A compress may be wrapped around the ankle to prevent ankle inflammation.
A compress may be wrapped around the ankle to prevent ankle inflammation.

To confirm sinus tarsi syndrome, a doctor will often inject an anesthetic into it. This helps to verify that the pain is truly being caused by an injury of these tissues and not another portion of the foot. A follow-up MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), x-ray, or bone scan may also be used to help determine the extent of the damage.

Treatment for an injured sinus tarsi typically includes plenty of rest and minimizing any use of the affected foot and ankle. Inflammation and pain is usually addressed with ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications such as NSAIDs. Special shoes or an ankle sleeve may be necessary to help stabilize the joint, especially if the foot is prone to rolling. Physical therapy may be used to strengthen the ankle, which can help stop injuries from re-occurring. In rare cases, surgery may be required.

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    • Damage to the sinus tarsi can hinder mobility because it can greatly affect the stability of the foot.
      By: GVictoria
      Damage to the sinus tarsi can hinder mobility because it can greatly affect the stability of the foot.
    • An injured sinus tarsi may require physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and prevent a recurrence of the injury.
      By: alfpok
      An injured sinus tarsi may require physical therapy to strengthen the ankle and prevent a recurrence of the injury.
    • A compress may be wrapped around the ankle to prevent ankle inflammation.
      By: nito
      A compress may be wrapped around the ankle to prevent ankle inflammation.
    • An MRI scan may be performed to diagnose sinus tarsi syndrome.
      By: James Steidl
      An MRI scan may be performed to diagnose sinus tarsi syndrome.
    • Sinus tarsi syndrome is often a result of an ankle sprain.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Sinus tarsi syndrome is often a result of an ankle sprain.
    • A patient will need to dress in a hospital gown prior to an ankle MRI procedure.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      A patient will need to dress in a hospital gown prior to an ankle MRI procedure.
    • Elevating the ankle can help treat an injured sinus tarsi.
      By: britta60
      Elevating the ankle can help treat an injured sinus tarsi.
    • An ice pack may help ease the pain associated with sinus tarsi syndrome.
      By: Dani Simmonds
      An ice pack may help ease the pain associated with sinus tarsi syndrome.