Q. The sole of my foot burns and feels as though electricity is running through it

The narrow space joining the inner ankle bone and the heel is called the tarsal tunnel. When this area narrows and compresses the nerve, the following symptoms appear.

• Sensation on the inner ankle becomes dulled
• There is severe pain, as though electricity were running through
• Pressing the inner ankle bone makes the pain worse
• The pain feels as though it spreads from the foot up the leg
• The sole burns or feels numb
• In severe cases the foot loses sensation

It worsens on standing or walking, and the longer the walk the more so. Symptoms also become more severe with weight gain, so we look at weight management alongside.