There are many different parts that make up the ankle joint, including three bones, several muscles, and multiple ligaments. They all work together to help your feet and ankles support your entire body. If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, though, you may struggle with support and also deal with pain and discomfort when you walk or otherwise move your ankle.
Understanding what the tarsal tunnel is and how it works, learning the tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms, and discovering the treatment options to help you get relief are all very important. Then, you can get back to walking, jumping, running, playing sports, or enjoying other athletic activities that make life more fun and help you explore the world around you. There’s no reason to settle for less, when tarsal tunnel syndrome relief is available. Here’s what to know.
What is the Tarsal Tunnel?
The tarsal tunnel is what’s called a fibro osseous tunnel. It’s formed by the medial wall of the calcaneus, along with the flexor retinaculum (or laciniate ligament). Also included is the posterior portion of the talus, the medial malleolus, and the distal tibia.
Pain on the Inside of Your Ankle
Because the ankle is a complex structure, experiencing pain in it could come from a lot of different injuries and conditions. That’s true even if you have pain that’s specific to one area, because it could be referred from another location. If pain on the inside of your ankle is a frequent complaint in your life, getting the help you need is important. Common causes of pain on the inside of the ankle include:
- Ankle sprains and breaks
- Ankle arthritis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Even if you’re not sure on the specific cause of the pain it’s important to pay attention to the kind of pain you’re experiencing. That way, your podiatrist can help identify and treat the cause so you can feel better and move more freely again. With reduced pain, it’s easier to put your best foot forward in everything you do.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens due to damage to the tibial nerve. This nerve runs through the tarsal tunnel and can get pinched or otherwise injured within that space. When that happens, the nerve becomes irritated and inflamed. Naturally, that creates pain that can remain in that area or travel to other locations in your foot or ankle area. While a mild case may self-correct and go away without intervention, it’s still important to have your foot and ankle examined by a professional.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
The main symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome are tingling, pain, and burning in the toes and bottom of your feet. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, especially if it’s getting worse or doesn’t seem to be going away, it’s time to find out the cause. That will make it easier for you to get fast, efficient treatment to eliminate the problem from your life and keep it from coming back.
Tibial Nerve Damage
There are many causes of tibial nerve damage, with flat feet and high arches being two of the most common ones. It’s important to keep your feet and ankles strong and limber to reduce the chances of pain, but the natural shape of your feet could still mean that you’re more susceptible to specific injuries or problems.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Relief and Treatment Options
To get relief from tarsal tunnel pain one of the first lines of defense is over-the-counter pain medications. These can be very effective for mild cases, but they aren’t generally going to be enough for more severe issues. Seeing your podiatrist is the best way to find out the severity of your foot and ankle pain issues, so you can get the right treatment for your needs. As a last resort you may need surgery to correct the problem and release the nerve, but there are several other options to try first.
Is Tarsal Tunnel Surgery Painful?
Generally, no surgery is pain-free. However, when you work with a foot doctor who has experience performing tarsal tunnel surgery it’s easier to keep your pain to a minimum. Additionally, using proper post-op care and following your recovery plan can mean you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
Say Goodbye to Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
If you’re looking for tarsal tunnel syndrome relief, or you have ankle and foot pain and you’re not sure why, working with an experienced podiatrist can help you get the treatment and relief you need and deserve. Schedule an appointment with The Foot & Ankle Group today and get the trusted, quality support you’re looking for. That can mean getting back to the activities you enjoy faster, so you can enjoy your life to the fullest again.
Categorized in: Blog
Comments are closed