There is a nerve inside your feet – the posterior tibial nerve. It runs from the inside of your ankle to the end of your feet. When there’s a lot of pressure on that nerve, it can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Due to the constant pressure on the nerve, it can cause unbearable pain & numbness in your feet.
SYMPTOMS & CAUSES OF TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
- Shooting pain down your legs and feet.
- Flat feet
- Ankle pain & swelling
- Diabetes & arthritis can cause nerve compression & pain
- Bone spurs in your feet
- Varicose veins in your legs
- Ganglion cysts
- Burning sensation in your feet
DIAGNOSIS OF TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
If you suspect that you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, visit an orthopedist or podiatrist. They will examine your feet & legs to see whether your tibial nerve is pinched.
The diagnostic tests for tarsal tunnel syndrome are –
- Tinel’s test
- Electromyography
- X-rays, CT or MRI scan
- Ultrasound
TREATMENT OF TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the swelling & pain in the feet.
- RICE (Resting, icing, compression, and elevation) treatment
- Steroid injections
- Foot braces & splits to lessen the compression of pinched nerves.
- Custom shoes for flat feet
- Tarsal tunnel release surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery to stretch out the ligament.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from severe foot pain, call us on (469) 545-9983 to book an appointment with our podiatrists.