If you are experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness in your foot, you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve and can be very painful. In this blog post, we will discuss what tarsal tunnel syndrome is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and some of the common causes. We hope that this information will help you to better understand this condition and seek appropriate treatment if necessary.
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What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a painful condition that can develop when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow, bony arch located on your ankle’s inner side. Compression of this nerve can cause pain and numbness in your foot or toes. In some cases, tarsal tunnel syndrome can lead to muscle weakness and changes in the shape of your foot.
If you suspect that you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. The sooner you receive treatment for this condition, the better chance you have of avoiding complications or long-term damage.
What Are The Symptoms Of It?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the ankle. Typically, people experience symptoms such as:
-Pain in the foot and ankle, especially when standing or walking for long periods of time
-A burning sensation at the bottom of the foot or toes
-Numbness or tingling sensations near or between the toes, as well as on top of the foot
Even though it can be difficult to diagnose TTS, there are a few signs to look out for. In addition to these symptoms, you may also experience weakness in the foot and ankle muscles.
How To Treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Your doctor will likely begin by taking a complete medical history, including information about the symptoms you’re experiencing as well as any past health conditions you have. A physical examination will typically follow. If your doctor suspects that you might have tarsal tunnel syndrome, he or she may also order tests to help pinpoint the diagnosis, such as X-rays or an MRI scan.
Different options for treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome are given below:
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can help provide relief from the pain and other symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome. These injections are typically given directly into the area where the nerve is compressed, in order to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be recommended to help manage your symptoms and prevent further damage to the tarsal tunnel. Physiotherapy exercises can help reduce pain and improve range of motion, as well as increase strength in the foot and ankle muscles.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to relieve compression on the tarsal tunnel. This can involve releasing or cutting the ligament that is causing the nerve compression, or even removing the entire tibialis posterior muscle from around the ankle if it is severely damaged.
If you are experiencing symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity and underlying causes of your condition, so work closely with your doctor to find the best course of treatment that is right for you.
When Should I Start Physiotherapy For It?
You can start physiotherapy for tarsal tunnel syndrome as soon as you start noticing the symptoms. Mild cases can be treated at home with massages and exercises to help relieve pain. More severe cases may require more aggressive treatment, such as surgery or steroid injections in the tarsal tunnel area.
Physiotherapy is an effective way to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome because it focuses on addressing the underlying causes of the condition. Physiotherapists will help to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow to the affected area, and strengthen and stretch the muscles to prevent further injury.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms such as pain or numbness in your foot, it is important to seek medical attention from a physician or physiotherapist right away. Your doctor may recommend surgery or steroid injections to help minimize pain and restore function to your foot.
Physiotherapy Exercises To Treat TTS
There are several exercises to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome. These exercises are aimed at improving flexibility and strengthening the ankle muscles. Some of these exercises include :
Heel Cord Stretch
This exercise helps to improve the flexibility of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which are known to be affected in tarsal tunnel syndrome. To perform this exercise, you will need to stand facing a wall, with your feet hip-width apart. Then slowly bend one leg forwards and place it on the wall, while keeping the other leg straight. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds, and then switch legs. Repeat this exercise 8-10 times on each leg 2-3 times per day.
Ankle Eversion
This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles of the outer part of your ankle and lower leg. To perform this exercise, you will need to sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Then, slowly roll your ankle outwards, moving from side to side. Do this 15-20 times per day for best results.
Ankle Inversion
This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles of the inner part of your ankle and lower leg. To perform this exercise, you will need to sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Then, slowly roll your ankle inwards, moving from side to side. Do this 15-20 times per day for best results.
While these exercises can help treat tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is important to speak to your doctor or physiotherapist to determine whether they are appropriate for your condition. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention right away in order to prevent further complications and get the treatment you need.
Things You Should Avoid Doing When Suffering From TTS
There are a few things one must avoid doing when suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). These include:
- Avoid overusing your feet. When you have TTS, it is important to limit the amount of time that you spend on your feet. This can help reduce pain and discomfort in the affected area.
- Avoid wearing high heels or tight shoes. High heels and other tight-fitting footwear can put extra pressure on the tarsal tunnel and exacerbate symptoms of TTS. It is best to opt for loose, comfortable footwear instead.
- Try not to make any extreme or sudden movements. Sudden movements may stress the tarsal nerve, making symptoms worse. If you have TTS, it is important to proceed with caution when moving your feet or ankles.
- Avoid overusing pain medications. Although pain medications may help relieve symptoms of TTS in the short term, they can also mask the underlying problem and make treatment more difficult in the long term. If you have TTS, it is best to consult with your doctor about alternative treatments, such as physical therapy or lifestyle changes.
- Avoid sleeping with your legs crossed or bent. When you sleep in a position that puts pressure on the tarsal tunnel, it may exacerbate symptoms of TTS and interfere with the healing process. It is best to sleep with your feet straight and your legs in a relaxed position to reduce this pressure.
- Avoid putting stress on your feet. Whether you are going for a run, standing for long periods of time, or lifting heavy objects, it is important to avoid putting too much stress on your feet and ankles if you have TTS. This can help prevent any further damage to the tarsal nerve and expedite healing.
If you are suffering from TTS, it is important to seek medical attention right away and take steps to avoid the activities listed above. With proper treatment and lifestyle changes, you can manage your symptoms and begin feeling better in no time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tarsal tunnel syndrome is a relatively common condition that can be very painful and even debilitating at times. If you think you might be suffering from this condition, it’s best to see your doctor right away in order to get the treatment you need to help relieve your pain and discomfort.
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
