Diagnosis and Treatment Archive
Tarsal Coalition
 
What is Tarsal Coalition?

Tarsal coalition is a foot condition where two bones normally separated are fused together. This fusion happens during fetal development, and though children and born with this condition, they often do not experience symptoms until they are between 8 and 16 years old.

Overview of Tarsal Coalition - dynomed
This link offers easy to understand information on tarsal coalition.

Overview of Tarsal Coalition - Mercy Medical Center
Includes photos, x-rays and CT scans.

 

What clinical findings (signs, symptoms, and test results) indicate tarsal coalition?

  • Pain—gradual onset, occurs in the part of the foot that faces the other foot

  • Flat Feet

  • Limp/Difficulty Walking

  • Muscle Spasms in the affected foot

Test Results

 

Treatment Options

Treatment Overview - dynomed
Scroll down to the ”Treatment of Tarsal Coalition?” heading for descriptions.

Tarsal Coalition - Temple.edu
Scroll down to the “Treatment” heading for additional descriptions.


Science Links

A Patient’s Guide to Ankle Anatomy
Complete with excellent diagrams, this link will help you understand how the anatomy of the ankle, including various parts (bones, joints, muscles, tendons, etc) and how they work together.

Diagram: Ankle Anatomy
This link offers a diagram of Muscular and Skeletal Anatomy of Ankle and Foot (Anterior View).

Interactive Anatomy of the Ankle
This link provides an interactive look at the bones and muscles in the ankle.

How you feel pain
This link describes the types of pain, how we feel pain and how pain may manifest itself.

Why do I have pain?
Written for kids, this site gives a good, but simple overview on pain and how experiencing pain can actually help our bodies.