Have you ever heard of tarsal tunnel syndrome? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. At Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC we often find patients are not aware of this disorder until they are diagnosed with it. A condition that is probably more familiar is carpal tunnel syndrome, which comes about as a result of compression of nerves in your wrist. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is a structure on the inside of your ankle, next to the ankle bone. It houses arteries, veins, tendons and nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve which is affected by this disorder. When the nerve gets compressed (or squeezed) it can produce pain—even sharp shooting pain, tingling, burning or numbness at the inside of your ankle and even spreading to your arch, toes, heel and calf.
A Variety of Causes
When our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight or Dr. Marzana Mleczko examine your foot and ankle they will be looking for the source of the nerve symptoms. The foot doctor will gently probe to see if a mass can be detected. Sometimes structures in the tunnel get enlarged or an abnormality is present—swollen varicose veins or tendons, a ganglion cyst or even a bone spur can take up space in the tunnel and cause the compression. Patients with flat feet are more likely to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome. In addition, certain diseases such as arthritis and diabetes can have swelling associated with them which will compress the nerve. An ankle sprain or other injury is another possible cause. For these reasons a complete medical history will also be necessary. The foot doctor may order imaging studies or nerve tests to help make a definitive diagnosis.
Getting Relief
The course of treatment the foot doctor prescribes will depend on the source of the compression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, icing and injections are all options for reducing pain and inflammation. Changes in the shoes you wear and custom orthotics may be employed to reposition your foot, provide support and relieve compression. Physical therapy and bracing are other possible measures the podiatrist may want to use. In some situations, surgery is the best option.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent damage so don’t delay. If you have any of the nerve symptoms described above contact us at our Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074 office today.
Have you ever heard of tarsal tunnel syndrome? If the answer is no, you’re not alone. At Long Island Foot & Ankle Group, PC we often find patients are not aware of this disorder until they are diagnosed with it. A condition that is probably more familiar is carpal tunnel syndrome, which comes about as a result of compression of nerves in your wrist. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is a structure on the inside of your ankle, next to the ankle bone. It houses arteries, veins, tendons and nerves, including the posterior tibial nerve which is affected by this disorder. When the nerve gets compressed (or squeezed) it can produce pain—even sharp shooting pain, tingling, burning or numbness at the inside of your ankle and even spreading to your arch, toes, heel and calf.
A Variety of Causes
When our podiatrists, Dr. Russell Caprioli, Dr. Mary Ann Bilotti, Dr. John Haight or Dr. Marzana Mleczko examine your foot and ankle they will be looking for the source of the nerve symptoms. The foot doctor will gently probe to see if a mass can be detected. Sometimes structures in the tunnel get enlarged or an abnormality is present—swollen varicose veins or tendons, a ganglion cyst or even a bone spur can take up space in the tunnel and cause the compression. Patients with flat feet are more likely to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome. In addition, certain diseases such as arthritis and diabetes can have swelling associated with them which will compress the nerve. An ankle sprain or other injury is another possible cause. For these reasons a complete medical history will also be necessary. The foot doctor may order imaging studies or nerve tests to help make a definitive diagnosis.
Getting Relief
The course of treatment the foot doctor prescribes will depend on the source of the compression. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, icing and injections are all options for reducing pain and inflammation. Changes in the shoes you wear and custom orthotics may be employed to reposition your foot, provide support and relieve compression. Physical therapy and bracing are other possible measures the podiatrist may want to use. In some situations, surgery is the best option.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause permanent damage so don’t delay. If you have any of the nerve symptoms described above contact us at our Valley Stream (516) 825-4070 or Lake Success (516) 327-0074 office today.