Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is compression or pinching of the posterior tibial nerve that causes symptoms along the entire length of the nerve as it passes through the inside of the ankle.
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The condition is very similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both conditions are the result of the compression of the nerves in a closed space.
What are the causes?
The syndrome is caused by anything that causes compression of the posterior tibial nerve such as:
• People with flat feet – dustanbanlia are at higher risk because the passive heel tilt that occurs with a low arch of the foot can cause tension and compression of the nerve.
• An Enlarged or abnormal structure that occupies most of the tarsal tunnel space can also cause nerve compression. Narrowing of the tunnel may be due to a varicose vein, ganglion cyst, swelling of a tendon, or spikes.
• An injury such as a sprained ankle can cause inflammation and swelling in or near tunnel, resulting in compression of the nerve.
• Diseases such as diabetes or arthritis may also cause swelling to compress the tibial nerve.
What are the symptoms?
Most commonly those affected develop one or more of the symptoms and rarely all at once:
• Numbness, burning or electric shock-like sensation;
• Stiffness;
• Pain that may be stabbing;
Symptoms are usually felt on the inside of the ankle or lower leg. In some cases, the symptoms can be isolated and appear only in one place. In other cases, the symptoms can cover the heels, the arch of the foot, the toes, and even the calf. p>
It is very important to seek treatment as soon as possible if any of the symptoms of the syndrome appear. If left untreated, the condition progresses and can lead to permanent nerve damage.
And since symptoms can be confused with other diseases, proper medical judgment is essential to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Treatment of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
There are a variety of treatment options, often used in combination. They usually consist of the following:
• Rest – let your feet “rest” to prevent further nerve damage and speed up healing.
• Ice – apply ice to the affected area, but place a thin towel between the ice and the skin. Leave the ice on for 20 minutes and then wait at least 40 minutes before putting it back on.
• Oral medications – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen will help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Immobilization – restricting movement of the affected leg with a cast is sometimes necessary to allow the nerve and surrounding tissue to heal.
• Physiotherapy strong> – ultrasound therapy and exercise are recommended to relieve symptoms.
• Injection therapy – local anesthetic injections provide pain relief and corticosteroid injections are helpful in treating inflammation.< br/> • Shoes – supportive shoes may be recommended.
• Orthopedic shoe insoles – prescribed to support the arch of the foot and limit its excessive distortion due to the flat foot, as it is possible that the unnatural inclination of the foot when walking can lead to compression of the nerve.
