During the single heel raise test, numbness or paresthesia suggests which condition?

During the single heel raise test, numbness or paresthesia suggests which condition?

• A. Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• B. Lateral ankle sprain
• C. Compartment syndrome
• D. Posterior tibial tendinopathy

Answer: (A)

Numbness or paresthesias during the single heel raise test points to nerve compression of the tibial nerve as it runs through the tarsal tunnel behind the medial malleolus. The test places the foot and ankle in a position that can aggravate this nerve, so reproducing sensory symptoms in the plantar foot distribution strongly suggests tarsal tunnel syndrome. Other ankle problems—like lateral ankle sprain, which mainly causes local pain and swelling; compartment syndrome, which presents with severe pain and tense swelling; and posterior tibial tendinopathy, which causes medial ankle tendon pain and weakness—do not typically produce new numbness or paresthesias in the sole during this maneuver.

Numbness or paresthesias during the single heel raise test points to nerve compression of the tibial nerve as it runs through the tarsal tunnel behind the medial malleolus. The test places the foot and ankle in a position that can aggravate this nerve, so reproducing sensory symptoms in the plantar foot distribution strongly suggests tarsal tunnel syndrome. Other ankle problems—like lateral ankle sprain, which mainly causes local pain and swelling; compartment syndrome, which presents with severe pain and tense swelling; and posterior tibial tendinopathy, which causes medial ankle tendon pain and weakness—do not typically produce new numbness or paresthesias in the sole during this maneuver.