Pain and swelling on the outside of your ankle can be frustrating, especially when it keeps returning after an old ankle sprain. One possible cause is sinus tarsi syndrome. At our Oakville clinic, Dr. Jenn Garven uses contemporary medical acupuncture as one treatment option for selected ankle and foot problems.
What Is Sinus Tarsi Syndrome?
The sinus tarsi is a small space between the talus and calcaneus bones on the outside of the ankle and rearfoot. Pain in this area commonly develops following an ankle sprain, repetitive ankle injuries or instability through the subtalar joint.
Typical symptoms include pain just in front of the outside ankle bone, tenderness or swelling around the sinus tarsi, discomfort when walking on uneven ground and a feeling that the ankle is unstable or unreliable. Because several different ankle problems can cause pain in this area, getting the diagnosis right is important.
A 2023 review of sinus tarsi syndrome found that sinus tarsi pain can have several underlying causes, including subtalar instability, impingement and other ankle pathology. Read the sinus tarsi research on PubMed.
For a complete explanation of the condition, see our main Sinus Tarsi Syndrome Treatment in Oakville page.
Acupuncture for Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
Dr. Jenn uses acupuncture based on what she finds during the examination rather than following the exact same acupuncture-point formula for every ankle.
Depending on the patient, acupuncture may involve selected tissues around the ankle as well as muscles of the lower leg that help control ankle movement and stability. The goal is primarily to help decrease pain and muscular sensitivity and make movement more comfortable while the underlying ankle problem is also addressed.
Acupuncture does not mechanically stabilize an unstable ankle by itself. Patients with previous ankle sprains often also need strengthening, balance exercises, appropriate footwear and treatment directed at the original ankle injury.
Research specifically studying acupuncture for sinus tarsi syndrome is limited. However, a 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis examining acupuncture and similar needling techniques for chronic ankle instability reported improvements in pain, proprioception, balance and patient-reported function compared with controls. Read the chronic ankle instability acupuncture study on PubMed.
Previous Ankle Sprains Matter
A large percentage of the sinus tarsi patients we see have a history of repeatedly rolling or spraining the same ankle. If this sounds familiar, read about our lateral ankle sprain treatment and our acupuncture for ankle sprains page.
Once the painful stage settles, restoring ankle strength and balance is also important. We have put together our ankle strengthening exercises for sprained ankles for patients working on ankle stability.
Footwear, Flat Feet and Orthotics
Some patients with persistent sinus tarsi pain also have excessive pronation, flat feet or poor support from their footwear. In those cases, changing shoes or adding support can reduce repeated stress through the ankle.
When foot mechanics appear to be contributing to the problem, we can also assess whether custom orthotics in Oakville are appropriate.
Acupuncture in Oakville With Dr. Jenn Garven
Dr. Jenn Garven provides contemporary medical acupuncture at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre in Glen Abbey, Oakville. Treatment begins with an assessment to determine what is actually causing the ankle pain and whether acupuncture should be part of the treatment plan.
If your pain is sitting on the outside of the ankle, especially following repeated ankle sprains, call 905-827-4197 or text 289-228-8858 to book an appointment with Dr. Jenn.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sinus Tarsi Acupuncture
Can acupuncture help sinus tarsi syndrome?
Acupuncture can be useful for managing pain and treating tight or painful muscles surrounding a chronic ankle problem. Sinus tarsi rehabilitation also needs to address ankle strength, stability and any mechanical factors contributing to repeated irritation.
Where is sinus tarsi pain located?
The pain is typically on the outside of the ankle, just in front of the lateral malleolus—the large ankle bone on the outside of the foot.
Can repeated ankle sprains cause sinus tarsi syndrome?
Yes. Repeated inversion ankle sprains and chronic ankle instability are common factors associated with sinus tarsi syndrome.
Why does my ankle hurt on uneven ground?
The subtalar joint plays an important role in adapting the foot to uneven surfaces. Sinus tarsi irritation and chronic ankle instability can make uneven ground particularly uncomfortable.
Can flat feet contribute to sinus tarsi pain?
Yes. Excessive pronation or collapsing arches can alter subtalar mechanics and place additional stress through the lateral ankle in some patients.
Do orthotics help sinus tarsi syndrome?
They can when foot mechanics are contributing to the problem. Not everybody needs orthotics, so Jenn first looks at footwear, arch mechanics and the overall ankle presentation.
Should I exercise with sinus tarsi syndrome?
Usually yes, but the exercise needs to match the stage of recovery. Strengthening and balance work are important for chronic ankle instability, while aggravating running or long-distance walking may temporarily need to be reduced.
Where can I get acupuncture for sinus tarsi syndrome in Oakville?
Dr. Jenn Garven provides Contemporary Medical Acupuncture at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, 1131 Nottinghill Gate in Oakville.
Still Have That Same Puffy, Painful Ankle?
If the original ankle sprain was months ago but the outside still hurts…
If that little swollen pocket never disappeared…
Or if the ankle still feels unreliable on uneven ground…
it deserves another look.
Dr. Jenn can determine whether the sinus tarsi, ankle instability, surrounding muscles or foot mechanics are keeping the problem going—and whether acupuncture belongs in the treatment.
Call: 905-827-4197
Text: 289-228-8858
Book an Acupuncture Appointment in Oakville
Complete Sinus Tarsi Treatment in Oakville
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