What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can cause pain, tingling or numbness in the foot.

How do you test for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

To diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome, a doctor manipulates the affected foot during a physical examination. For example, tapping the injured or compressed area just below the ankle bone often causes tingling (referred to as the Tinel sign), which may extend to the heel, arch, or toes.

Does tarsal tunnel syndrome go away?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be managed or cured with a wide variety of treatment options, but regardless of what the underlying condition is, it’s essential to get early treatment to prevent permanent nerve damage.

How long does it take tarsal tunnel to heal?

Six weeks after surgery, patients may resume running. With mild and/or intermittent symptoms, relief of numbness, tingling, and pain is often immediate. With long-standing or severe cases, relief of symptoms and return of muscle function may be more gradual and over the course of many months.

Can you walk with tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can make it hard to walk or engage in other physical activities. These exercises focus on gentle movements to reduce irritation and building strength and flexibility in the ankle. Calf stretches can help reduce tightness in the muscles around the ankle, relieving stress and swelling.

Is tarsal tunnel surgery painful?

The tibial nerve is identified by releasing the ligament that forms the roof of the tarsal tunnel. Each of the three main branches of the tibial nerve then divide into their own separate tunnels that must then be released. Local anesthesia is also administered, so there will be little pain after the surgery.

Can a podiatrist treat tarsal tunnel syndrome?

The proper diagnosis and treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome will involve you seeing a doctor that specializes in the care of the lower extremities. This type of doctor is called a podiatrist. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be treated non-surgically or surgically depending on the severity of the condition.

Does tarsal tunnel syndrome occur in both feet?

If you answer yes to either or both of these questions, you may have a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This syndrome can occur in one foot or both feet and is similar to the common carpel tunnel syndrome in the hand.

Can an MRI show tarsal tunnel syndrome?

MRI is particularly helpful in detecting masses that may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Mass-like etiologies include ganglion cysts, neurogenic tumors (Fig 4), varicosities (Fig 5), lipomas, severe tenosynovitis, and accessory muscles.

Do cortisone shots help tarsal tunnel?

Tarsal tunnel injections are an effective remedy for tarsal tunnel syndrome. The local anesthetic produces immediate relief by numbing the affected area, while the corticosteroid provides effective long-term pain relief by reducing inflammation for an extended period.

How do you repair tarsal tunnel?

Tarsal tunnel surgery

During tarsal tunnel release surgery, a surgeon will make an opening from the back of the ankle to the arch of the foot. A surgeon will then make a cut in the ligament to stop it from compressing the tibial nerve. According to one source from 2021, surgery is successful in 44–96% of cases.

What does it feel like when you have nerve damage?

The signs of nerve damage include the following: Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock. Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.

What does nerve damage in the ankle feel like?

Damage to the peroneal nerve can cause pain, tingling or numbness at the top of the foot. It may become difficult to raise your toes, your toes or ankle may feel weak, or your foot may feel like it is dropping when walking. In severe cases, you may be completely unable to lift your toes or foot or turn your ankle.

What is tarsal tunnel release surgery?

Tarsal tunnel release is surgery to relieve pain and numbness from tarsal tunnel syndrome. The tarsal tunnel is between the bump on the inside of your ankle and ligaments stretched across your foot. Surgery takes pressure off a nerve in the tarsal tunnel.

Can an MRI show nerve damage?

An MRI may be able help identify structural lesions that may be pressing against the nerve so the problem can be corrected before permanent nerve damage occurs. Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings.

How long before nerve damage becomes permanent?

As a specialist in peripheral nerve surgery, Dr. Seruya wants his patients to know that after a period of 12-18 months nerve damage can become permanent.

Does drinking water help with nerve pain?

Drink lots of water

Water should be a staple in any diet, and even more so for those looking to reduce nerve pain. It’s critical to stay hydrated throughout the day to reduce inflammation and avoid triggering pain receptors.