What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and What Can You do about it?

The tibial nerve is injured or pinched when it is compressed in a small area, which results in tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel, a passageway lined with bones and ligaments in your ankle, is where the tibial nerve of your ankle travels. It's possible for those who have tarsal tunnel syndrome to feel pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in their feet. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can happen if you frequently use your feet or walk. Like this, you tend to develop this condition if you exercise frequently and vigorously, especially if your feet are flat.

In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the posterior tibial nerve is compressed or pinched, resulting in symptoms anywhere along the nerve's course from the inside of the ankle to the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome affects the heel in a manner like carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrist. One of the common tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms, if it develops, is tingling, followed by muscle weakness and numbness in the affected area. Extremely noticeable symptoms get worse during or right after physical activity. People's symptoms differ greatly from one another. While some people experience symptoms that worsen over time, others experience symptoms that appear suddenly.

What you can do once you are diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome largely depends on your symptoms and how much pain you are experiencing as a result.

Home treatments

The use of anti-inflammatory medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can reduce inflammation and relieve nerve compression. Of course, your doctor will make the final decision. RICE therapy, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, is another option. It describes the steps taken to treat the affected area with care. The RICE method, a straightforward self-care technique, reduces swelling, eases discomfort, and hastens the healing of the injured area. Never self-medicate without first seeking medical advice.

Treatments prescribed by the doctor

Steroid injections to the affected area may also be used to reduce swelling. Occasionally, prostheses and insoles may be used to immobilize the foot and limit movement that could compress the nerve.

Surgery

Your doctor may advise tarsal tunnel release surgery in extreme and long-term cases. Your surgeon will make an incision behind your ankle that extends all the way to the arch of your foot during this operation, which will loosen the ligament or relieve the nerve. Some surgeons also use minimally invasive surgery, in which much smaller incisions are made inside the ankle. Surgeon Since the operation is less invasive, the area on which the operation was performed is also smaller, and therefore the risk of complications and recovery time are reduced.

N.D.
27.09.2022.

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