TINEL'S SIGN

(Ankle)

​• Test positioning

The client typically lies supine.

​• Action

The therapist uses his finger to tap over the medial aspect of the ankle where the posterior tibial nerve is most superficial.

​• Positive finding

Pain or tingling that radiates along the pathway of the posterior tibial nerve is indicative of potential tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel will result in referred symptoms to the medial and plantar regions of the foot.

​• Special considerations & comments

A positive test simply refers to the fact that the posterior tibial nerve has been compromised.

The nerve itself could be undergoing compression, as would be seen with inflammation within the tarsal tunnel, or it could be undergoing traction, as is the case with a hyperpronated foot.

Tinel's Sign, named after Dr. Jules Tinel, is used to detect nerve regeneration or entrapment through percussion over the tibial nerve at the ankle, adapted from Tinel's work in diagnosing nerve injuries.