What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Are you experiencing shooting pain, the sensation of “pins and needles” in the sole of your foot or ankle, or a burning sensation in those areas? If you’re nodding your head, chances are you have a condition referred to as “tarsal tunnel syndrome.”
Healthline states “Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by repeated pressure that results in damage on the posterior tibial nerve. Your tibial nerve branches off of the sciatic nerve and is found near your ankle.
The tibial nerve runs through the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow passageway inside your ankle that is bound by bone and soft tissue. Damage of the tibial nerve typically occurs when the nerve is compressed as a result of consistent pressure.”
Although this condition can be very painful and hinder your ability to get around comfortably, the good news is that Partners in Physical Therapy in Lake Charles offers physical therapy services that can help to provide relief from your pain and discomfort.
Causes and symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome
You may be wondering how this kind of condition comes to be in the first place. Tarsal tunnel can be caused by a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:
- Chronic inflammation caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis
- Having flat feet (flattened feet cause the tibial nerve to stretch)
- Varicose veins
- Ankle sprain or fracture
- Diabetes
Symptoms of tarsal tunnel vary, but oftentimes include pain in the soles of the feet, tingling sensations and feelings of numbness. These symptoms are often exacerbated physical activity such as walking or being on your feet for long periods.
If you’ve been diagnosed with any of the above, and you’re experiencing pain in the soles or ankles of your feet, contacting a physical therapist as soon as possible for assessment and treatment is a good idea!
How can Partners in Physical Therapy help me?
The physical therapists at Partners in Physical Therapy in Lake Charles are licensed experts when it comes to movement disorders and painful conditions. They know how to identify and manage many different types of injuries and ailments, and tarsal tunnel syndrome is no exception!
When you visit one of our physical therapists, they will ask about your symptoms and also ask you if you’ve sustained trauma to your foot/ankle. They’ll do an assessment of the affected area and look for signs that can reveal to them the underlying cause of your pain.
The good news is that this condition can be successfully managed and cured in many cases. Your physical therapist will create a customized treatment program just for you that will help to minimize or eliminate your pain, and allow you to prevent future strain and stress on the tibial nerve.
Therapeutic solutions for tarsal tunnel may include:
- Ice therapy
- Wearing a cast
- Electrotherapy
- RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
Find relief from tarsal tunnel syndrome today
If you’re tired of dealing with tingling, shooting pain in your feet, contact Partners in Physical Therapy today. We’ll be happy to set up an appointment to assess your condition and get you the help you deserve!
