Benign joint hypermobility with neuropathy: documentation and mechanism of tarsal tunnel syndrome
Francis, H.; March, L.; Terenty, T.; Webb, J.
Journal of Rheumatology 14(3): 577-581
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0315-162X PMID: 3625638 Document Number: 299001
Eleven consecutive patients with tarsal tunnel syndrome were reviewed. All had pes planus, 8 had calcaneal valgus hindfoot, and generalized benign joint hypermobility syndrome was evident in 9. Detailed enquiry was necessary to identify apparently trivial precipitating events. In 6 patients there was superimposed secondary reflex sympathetic dystrophy which tended to obscure symptoms of the causative tarsal tunnel syndrome. Wider recognition of this cause-effect mechanism and early management with orthotic footwear and intrinsic foot muscle exercises may obviate the need for surgical intervention in many cases.