Tarsal Coalition: When Your Foot’s Bones Just Won’t Budge

Your feet rely on flexibility and motion, but tarsal coalition can change that. When bones in the foot fuse abnormally, it limits movement, causes pain, and disrupts balance, especially in teens and athletes. Learn what it means and how it’s treated.

What’s Going On Inside Your Foot?

Normally, the tarsal bones glide just enough to give your foot the flexibility it needs. But with tarsal coalition? Those bones are fused by bone, cartilage, or tough fibrous tissue. The result:

A stiff foot that doesn’t move like it should
Pain and soreness that can creep up during activity
A flatfoot that won’t straighten out, even with rest
A feeling of instability or frequent ankle rolls

Most often, symptoms pop up during childhood or teen years, when bones start hardening and growing.

Why Does It Hurt?

When the foot can’t flex properly, your body tries to compensate elsewhere, putting stress on muscles, ligaments, and joints. It’s like trying to run with a rusty hinge, everything feels stiff, sore, and out of sync.

Common Signs to Watch For

Persistent aching around the inside or middle of the foot
Stiffness that limits your range of motion
Frequent ankle sprains or “giving way”
Flatfoot that looks “locked” or rigid
Trouble walking or standing for long periods

How to Keep Moving Smoothly

Tarsal coalition isn’t the end of the road. Depending on how bad it is, there are ways to ease the pain and improve your foot’s function:

Rest & reduce high-impact activity to calm inflammation
Supportive shoes and custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce stress
Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve flexibility
Surgery may be considered if conservative care isn’t enough

Final Step: Listen to Your Feet

Ignoring persistent foot pain or stiffness can lead to bigger problems down the line. Your feet communicate through pain and discomfort, don’t brush it off. If you or your child is struggling with foot pain or frequent ankle sprains, it’s worth getting checked out early.

If you’re in the DFW or Plano area and dealing with foot pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, it could be tarsal coalition. Early diagnosis is key. Contact our Plano office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.