Sinus Tarsi Syndrome, Sports Medicine

Timothy Dekker, MD, Krishna Israni, MD, MS, BS and George G.A. Pujalte, MD, FACSM Reviewed 04/2019

BASICS

Sinus tarsi syndrome is persistent, anterolateral ankle pain, often associated with previous ankle injury 1.

DESCRIPTION

Sinus tarsi is the lateral extension of the tarsal canal formed by the su...

DIAGNOSIS

Four clinical characteristics have been used to describe and diagnose the syndrome 3[A]:

Pain at the lateral opening of the sinus tarsi, increasing with pressure, usually ceasing at rest
Perc...

TREATMENT

Relative rest, avoidance of aggravating activities, and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as needed for pain may give temporary relief.
Orthotics may be used to address for...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Postoperatively, patients may be immobilized with a walking caliper for around 4 wk, then made to undergo physical therapy, usually for another 4 to 6 wk 3[A].

PROGNOSIS

REFERENCES

Helgeson K. Examination and intervention for sinus tarsi syndrome. N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 2009;4(1):29–37.

Akiyama K, Takakura Y, Tomita Y, et al. Neurohistology of the sinus tarsi...

ADDITIONAL READING

Mann R, Coughlin MJ. Athletic injuries to the soft tissues of the foot and ankle. In: Mann RA, ed. Surgery of the Foot and Ankle. 6th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 1993:1165–1166.
Schn...

CLINICAL PEARLS

Sinus tarsi syndrome is persistent, anterolateral ankle pain, often associated with previous ankle injury, most common in individuals aged 20 to 40 yr; previous ankle inversion injury;...

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