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Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Written by Brett Harrop

Updated:

What is sinus tarsi syndrome?

The sinus tarsi is a small cavity located on the outside of the ankle between the talus and calcaneus bones (figures 1 and 2). This cavity contains numerous anatomical structures including ligaments and joint capsule. These structures may be injured following an ankle sprain or due to the repetitive strain associated with an excessively pronated (flat) foot. When this occurs, the condition is known as sinus tarsi syndrome.

Relevant Bony Anatomy for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome - Talus and Calcaneus

Figure 1 – Relevant Bony Anatomy for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Relevant Anatomy for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Figure 2 – Relevant Anatomy for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome

Cause of sinus tarsi syndrome

Sinus tarsi syndrome usually occurs following an ankle sprain or due to the repetitive strain associated with walking or running on an excessively pronated (flat) foot.

Signs and symptoms of sinus tarsi syndrome

Patients with sinus tarsi syndrome typically experience pain over the outside of the ankle. There may also be swelling and tenderness in the region. Symptoms are typically worse in the morning and may present as pain and stiffness that slowly improves as the patient warms up. Symptoms may also be aggravated during walking or running especially on slopes or uneven surfaces.

Treatment for sinus tarsi syndrome

The vast majority of patients with sinus tarsi syndrome heal well with an appropriate physiotherapy program. The success rate of the physiotherapy program is largely dictated by patient compliance. One of the key components is that the patient rests sufficiently from ANY activity that increases their pain until they are symptom free (crutches may be required). This allows the body to begin the healing process in the absence of further tissue damage. Once the patient can perform these activities pain free, a gradual return to these activities is indicated provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Ignoring symptoms or adopting a ‘no pain, no gain’ attitude is likely to lead to the condition becoming chronic. Once chronic, healing slows significantly resulting in markedly increased recovery times and an increased likelihood of future recurrence. Immediate appropriate treatment in all patients with this condition is vital to ensure an optimal outcome.

Following the R.I.C.E. Regime with regular icing and anti-inflammatory medication may help to significantly reduce inflammation in the initial phase of this condition. A graduated flexibility, balance and strengthening program under direction from a physiotherapist is vital to ensure an optimal outcome.

In the final stages of rehabilitation, a gradual return to activity or sport should occur under guidance from the treating practitioner and provided symptoms do not increase.

Contributing factors to the development of sinus tarsi syndrome

There are several factors which can predispose patients to developing this condition. These need to be assessed and corrected with direction from a physiotherapist and may include:

Physiotherapy for sinus tarsi syndrome

Physiotherapy treatment is vital to hasten the healing process, ensure an optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of injury recurrence in all patients with this condition. Treatment may comprise:

Prognosis of sinus tarsi syndrome

Most patients with this condition heal well with an appropriate physiotherapy program. This, however, can be a lengthy process and may take several months in patients who have had their condition for a long period of time. Minor cases of this condition that are identified and treated early can usually settle within a few weeks. Early physiotherapy treatment is vital to hasten recovery and ensure an optimal outcome.

Other Intervention for sinus tarsi syndrome

Despite appropriate physiotherapy management, a small percentage of patients with this condition do not improve adequately. When this occurs the treating physiotherapist or doctor can advise on the best course of management. This may involve further investigation such as an X-ray, Ultrasound, CT scan or MRI, corticosteroid injection, pharmaceutical intervention or a review by a specialist who can advise on any procedures that may be appropriate to improve the condition. A review with a podiatrist for the prescription of orthotics and appropriate footwear advice may also be indicated.

Exercises for sinus tarsi syndrome

The following exercises are commonly prescribed to patients with this condition. You should discuss the suitability of these exercises with your physiotherapist prior to beginning them. Generally, they should be performed 3 times daily and only provided they do not cause or increase symptoms.

Foot and Ankle Up and Down

Move your foot and ankle up and down as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 3). Repeat 10 – 20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Ankle DF PF exercise
Figure 3 – Foot and Ankle Up and Down (left leg)

Foot and Ankle In and Out

Move your foot and ankle in and out as far as possible and comfortable without pain (figure 4). Repeat 10 -20 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Ankle Inv Ev
Figure 4 – Foot and Ankle In and Out (right leg)

Lunge Stretch

With your hands against the wall, place your leg to be stretched in front of you as demonstrated (figure 5). Keep your heel down. Gently move your knee forward over your toes as far as possible and comfortable without pain. Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times at a mild to moderate stretch provided there is no increase in symptoms.

Lunge Stretch
Figure 5 – Lunge Stretch (right leg)

Find a Physio for sinus tarsi syndrome

Find a physiotherapist in your local area who can treat this condition.

Other ankle exercises

Physiotherapy products for sinus tarsi syndrome

Some of the most commonly recommended products by physiotherapist for patients with sinus tarsi syndrome include:

To purchase physiotherapy products for sinus tarsi syndrome click on one of the above links or visit the PhysioAdvisor Shop.

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