Tarsal Coalition
The tarsal bones are located toward the back of your foot where your arch, heel and ankle meet. These bones work together harmoniously for proper foot function. Sometimes as the foot develops, the small bones of the foot do not separate as they would normally. This is known as tarsal coalition and the abnormal connection between the two bones can be either bony or fibrous (connective tissue).
This typically presents in the later teenage years or early twenties – but can present earlier. Patients traditionally have flat feet with restricted movement (inflexible).
The most common locations for tarsal coalitions are between the (1) calcaneus and talus and (2) calcaneus and navicular. However they can occur rarely between any of the midfoot or hindfoot bones.
Treatment options:
Non operative treatment
Modification of shoes such as corrective orthotics
Physiotherapy for calf stretching and strengthening exercises
Corticosteroid and/or PRP injections
Surgical treatment is usually reserved for those who have ongoing symptoms despite the above treatments. The specific operation recommended depends on the type and location of the problem.
Surgeries performed for this condition include: