Tarsal coalition:

Tarsal coalition is an abnormal bridging or joining of tarsal bones. It occurs more often in older children/adolescents and normally presents itself as a rigid and painful flat foot.

Cause:

Tarsal coalition is most often present at birth with symptoms appearing during adolescent stages when the bones started to grow and harden.

Other less common causes of tarsal coalition include arthritis, trauma, and infection.

Symptoms:

• Flat feet in one or both feet
• Tiredness/fatigue in the legs
• Pain during weightbearing (standing/walking/running)
• very unstable ankle that easily rolls

Podiatry treatment for tarsal coalition:

Conservative treatments for tarsal coalition aim to limit certain movements of the joints to reduce pain. Good supportive footwear can be beneficial to reduce the pain caused by tarsal coalition. Orthoses can also be used to provide additional support if required.