Foot pain typically responds to early podiatrist evaluation, conservative treatments like supportive footwear and targeted stretching, and—when needed—custom orthotics. Most patients see improvement within 4-6 weeks of starting a treatment plan. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant in-person assessment to rule out structural issues. Contact our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office for a same-week evaluation.
★ 4.9 Stars · 1,123+ Reviews · Board-Certified Michigan Podiatrists
Tarsal Tunnel Release Michigan
Surgical Nerve Decompression
Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes burning, tingling nerve pain in the heel and foot. When conservative treatment fails, surgical release of the posterior tibial nerve provides dramatic relief. Our board-certified surgeons achieve 75-90% success rates.
#1 Expert Tarsal Tunnel Release Surgery in Howell & Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in your ankle, causing pain, tingling, and numbness. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we offer tarsal tunnel release surgery to relieve this pressure, restore function, and improve your overall comfort. If conservative treatments haven’t helped, our board-certified foot surgeons in Howell and Bloomfield Hills are here to help.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Accepting New Patients
Board Certified Podiatrists — Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Find Expert Podiatrist for Tarsal Tunnel Release at the Location Nearest You.
Howell
4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843
Book Now in Under 5 Minutes: 24/7
Bloomfield Hills
43494 Woodward Ave # 208, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Book Now in Under 5 Minutes: 24/7
Our team takes a personalized and minimally invasive approach, ensuring each patient receives the care they need with shorter recovery times and lasting results. We’re here to help you move pain-free again.
When Is Tarsal Tunnel Release Needed?
If you’ve tried orthotics, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections without success, surgery may be recommended. Tarsal tunnel release is typically needed when symptoms are severe, persistent, or worsening.
Watch: Burning Foot Pain at Night: Neuropathy
![Peripheral Neuropathy Home Remedies [Leg & Foot Nerve Pain Treatment]](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/wp-content/cache/flying-press/7d4243e99cf5363295164c3890634c5e.jpg)
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM explains the clinical basics — then covers what we do differently in our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics. Subscribe on YouTube for weekly walkthroughs.
Our Heel Spur Surgery Approach
Our podiatrists use a precise, minimally invasive technique to decompress the tibial nerve. This outpatient procedure helps minimize scarring and speeds up recovery, often allowing patients to walk shortly after surgery.
Benefits of Tarsal Tunnel Release
While this procedure differs from bunion surgery, the key benefits of tarsal tunnel release include:
- Reduced foot pain and numbness
- Improved walking and standing ability
- Prevention of permanent nerve damage
- Lower risk of re-injury
What to Expect – Before, During & After Surgery
You’ll undergo diagnostic imaging and nerve testing before surgery. The outpatient procedure usually takes under an hour. Post-surgery, expect a short recovery with limited weight-bearing, followed by physical therapy if needed.
Why Choose Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist in Howell & Bloomfield Hills?
-
Dual locations for convenience
-
Experienced foot surgeons specializing in nerve-related conditions
-
Personalized care and treatment plans
-
State-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical technology
-
5-star rated care and patient satisfaction
Book Your Podiatrist Visit Now
Struggling with Another Foot Problem? We Can Help.
-
Toenail Fungus Treatment (Oral or Laser)
-
Toenail Trimming -
Orthotics Fitting
-
Ingrown Toenails
-
Infected Ingrown Toenails
-
Podiatrist pedicure
-
Medical pedicure
-
Trimming of Corns
-
Trimming of Calluses, and Treatment of Pressure Blisters
-
Diabetic Foot Care & Diabetic Foot Wounds
-
Podiatrist medical pedicure
-
Extra-Depth Shoes for Patients with Diabetes. -
Prescription (Refills -
Telehealth appointments.
-
Cold laser therapy (In the office)
-
Laser Treatment Neuropathy
-
Athletes Foot, Dry Skin, Eczema.
-
Foot & Ankle Ulcer Care
-
Infection and Abscess Care.
-
Staph Infections in the Toe or Foot Treatment
-
Treatment of Plantar Warts for Your Toes and Feet
-
Foot & Ankle Injections (Steroid or Natural Solutions.) -
Management of Foot & Ankle Fractures (Walking Boots for broken toes or broken feet). -
Heel Pain (Heel Spur or Plantar Fasciitis)
-
Custom Orthotics for children and adults (In the office).
-
Over the Counter Orthotics for children and adults.
-
Gout Treatment
-
Shockwave therapy (AKA ESWT or EPAT therapy)
-
ESWT
-
EPAT Therapy
-
Senior Toenail Cutting & Toenail Trimming Services.
Tarsal Tunnel Release FAQs
Got questions about tarsal tunnel release surgery? We’ve got answers.
How long does recovery take after the surgery?
Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks. Full recovery—including nerve healing and physical therapy—may take a few months depending on the severity of the nerve compression and your body’s healing response.
Will I be able to walk immediately?
You may be able to walk with limited weight-bearing and support (like crutches or a walking boot) within a few days. However, full weight-bearing activities should be gradually resumed based on your podiatrist’s recommendation.
Is the surgery covered by insurance?
Yes, tarsal tunnel release surgery is typically covered by most insurance plans if deemed medically necessary. Our office staff will help you verify coverage and handle any required pre-authorizations.
What are the risks or complications?
As with any surgical procedure, risks include infection, nerve damage, scarring, or continued symptoms. At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, we minimize these risks with precision techniques and thorough post-op care.
In most cases, patients experience long-term relief. However, if the underlying cause of the compression persists or returns (such as flat feet, repetitive strain, or inflammation), symptoms could recur. Follow-up care and prevention strategies can help reduce this risk.
Numbness, Tingling, or Burning in Your Foot?
Persistent nerve pain, tingling, or weakness caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome can worsen over time if left untreated. When conservative care fails, tarsal tunnel release may help relieve pressure on the nerve and restore comfort.
At Balance Foot & Ankle Specialist, our podiatrists provide expert evaluation and advanced treatment options to help you find lasting relief and protect long-term nerve health.
Schedule Your Nerve Evaluation Today
(810) 206-1402
Related Treatments You May Need
“The tarsal tunnel release was the best decision for my foot health. Constant tingling and numbness are finally gone. The surgical team made the whole process stress-free.”
— Nancy G., Tarsal Tunnel Patient
Your Expert Podiatrists
Serving Patients Across Southeast Michigan
Balance Foot & Ankle provides expert podiatric care from two convenient locations. Our Howell office serves patients from Brighton, Hartland, Fowlerville, Pinckney, Fenton, Hamburg, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, and throughout Livingston County. Our Bloomfield Hills office serves Birmingham, Troy, West Bloomfield, Pontiac, Farmington Hills, Southfield, Royal Oak, Clarkston, Lake Orion, Rochester Hills, Waterford, Commerce Township, Novi, and Walled Lake across Oakland County.
Board-certified care at both Michigan locations
Book your visit today
Most insurance accepted · On-site X-ray · Board-certified podiatrists
More Podiatrist-Recommended Foot Health Essentials
Top-Rated Arch Support Insole
Universal podiatrist-recommended insert for pain relief and prevention.
Foot Massage Ball
Daily 3-minute roll reduces most forms of foot and heel pain.
Moisture-Wicking Sock
Prevents fungus, blisters, and odor — the basics matter.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
If foot or ankle pain has been bothering you for more than a few weeks, home care alone may not be enough. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics — no referral needed in most cases. Bring your current shoes and a short list of symptoms and we’ll build you a treatment plan in one visit.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through a narrow space (tarsal tunnel) on the inside of the ankle. It causes burning, tingling, numbness, and shooting pain in the heel and sole of the foot. It’s often misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis.
How successful is tarsal tunnel release surgery?
Tarsal tunnel release surgery has 75-90% success rate for properly selected patients. Success depends on accurate diagnosis (nerve conduction studies confirm the diagnosis) and surgical technique. Our board-certified podiatric surgeons use minimally invasive approaches for faster recovery.
Tarsal Tunnel Release Surgery — Michigan Podiatrist
Watch Dr. Biernacki explain tarsal tunnel syndrome decompression — how releasing the flexor retinaculum relieves the burning, tingling, and numbness of foot neuropathy caused by tibial nerve compression.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need tarsal tunnel surgery?
Surgery is recommended when 6+ months of conservative treatment (orthotics, injections, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy) fails to relieve tarsal tunnel symptoms. Nerve conduction studies confirming tibial nerve compression support the decision.
What is the success rate of tarsal tunnel release?
Properly performed tarsal tunnel release has a 75–90% success rate when the diagnosis is confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Patients with a single identifiable cause (ganglion cyst, bone spur, accessory muscle) have the highest success rates.
What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is compressed under the flexor retinaculum behind the medial ankle. Common causes include flatfoot deformity, ankle sprains, bone spurs, ganglion cysts, and systemic conditions like diabetes or hypothyroidism.
Watch Dr. Tom on Tarsal Tunnel Release
Dr. Tom walks through tarsal tunnel release surgery — the decompression of the posterior tibial nerve that relieves refractory foot burning and numbness.
Tarsal Tunnel Recovery Kit
Tarsal tunnel release recovery spans 6–10 weeks. These four items support the critical post-op phase:
CAM Walking Boot
Required weeks 0–3 — protects the medial ankle release site during initial healing.
PowerStep Pinnacle Insoles
Return to shoes — medial arch support reduces tension on the decompressed nerve.
Doctor Hoy’s Pain Relief Gel
Topical for the burning/numbness that may persist — gentler than chronic oral neuropathy meds.
Resistance Band Set
Week 6+ — progressive foot intrinsic rehab restores strength in the decompressed muscles.
Affiliate disclosure: Amazon links are affiliate links — we earn a small commission if you buy through them. We only recommend products we actually prescribe to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle.
Related from Balance Foot & Ankle
Foot pain — Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a podiatrist for foot pain?
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks of self-care, interfere with daily activity, or worsen suddenly, schedule a podiatrist evaluation. Early intervention typically shortens recovery and prevents chronic compensation patterns.
Will I need imaging or surgery?
Most foot pain cases resolve with conservative care—custom orthotics, supportive shoe changes, anti-inflammatory protocols, and targeted physical therapy. Imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) is reserved for cases that fail conservative treatment or when structural pathology is suspected. Surgery is rarely the first option.
Does insurance cover foot pain treatment in Michigan?
Most major Michigan insurance plans (BCBS, BCN, Priority Health, HAP, Medicare, Medicaid HMOs, United, Aetna, Cigna) cover medically necessary podiatric care. Custom orthotics may have separate DME coverage rules. Our team verifies your specific benefits before your visit.