Tarsal Tunnel Inflammation Explained

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is also known as posterior tibial nerve neuralgia or tibial nerve dysfunction. It is the compression of a nerve running through the ankle into the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment develops after spraining the ankle or overusing the feet. Additionally,it can develop due to underlying conditions such as arthritis or diabetes. If the tarsal tunnel syndrome is due to an injury, be gentle when exercising to avoid the aggravation of the inflammation. As with many other conditions, understanding the underlying mechanisms of the inflammation helps a tarsal tunnel syndrome specialist manage it.

How Does the Tarsal Tunnel Feel?

The symptoms of this condition result from the tibial nerve and its branches.

· Weakness in the lower foot and leg.

· Swelling

· Weak big toe

· Tingling, numbness, or pain in the foot radiating in the lower leg, toes, and foot.

· The symptoms decrease with rest and get worse with prolonged walking and standing.

· Throbbing pain disrupts your daily activities and rest.

Diagnosis

Early detection of the signs and symptoms helps your podiatrist to provide the appropriate management for the condition leading to fast recovery. Your podiatrist will use several tests to determine the condition. First, as usual, is a comprehensive health history and the history of your current symptoms. Other tests include

I. Gentle tapping or Tinel’s test over the posterior tibial nerve to reproduce the symptoms.

II. Tensing on the tibial nerve with a stretch in an attempt to reproduce the symptoms.

III. A diagnostic test with Electromyogram (EMG) can be conducted to do a nerve condition study, it will determine the speed at which the nerve transmits the information and the muscle function.

IV. To rule out other conditions that cause the same symptoms such as plantar fasciitis.

V. MRI to get detailed images of the soft tissue and bones inside the body. It is used to evaluate the bones and the extent of the nerve damage.

Preventing tarsal tunnel inflammation

There are no specific strategies that prevent tarsal tunnel inflammation but some management tips will lessen the risk of developing this condition. Ways to minimize foot and ankle stress include wearing the appropriate footwear for all activities, minimizing time spent on hard surfaces, using custom orthotics, and exercises to improve and maintain the strength in the muscles of the feet, ankles, and legs.

Does physical therapy help?

Your podiatrist might recommend working with a physical therapist to help improve the tarsal tunnel inflammation symptoms and keep you on your feet as you accomplish daily functions and activities. The physical therapist comes up with a treatment plan to address specific goals and needs.

Some recommendations by the physical therapist include:

I. Nerve gliding activities are gentle exercises that glide and move the nerves to improve function and reduce symptoms.

II. Coordination activities that are to improve coordination and balance are severely affected by tarsal tunnel inflammation.

III. Bracing, taping, and orthotics can be applied to ensure that they decrease stress on the posterior tibial nerve.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center for pain-free feet.