Where Is The Tarsal Tunnel?
There is a portion of the foot that contains a narrow space which is located on the inside of the ankle. This is referred to as the tarsal tunnel. If this area becomes inflamed as a result of an injury, tarsal tunnel syndrome may develop. The symptoms that are often associated with this condition can include swelling, pain and discomfort surrounding the ankles, and patients may feel a tingling or burning sensation. Moderate relief may be found when the affected foot is taped, as this may help to keep it from moving. Additionally, wearing orthotic inserts may provide adequate cushioning as the healing process occurs. If you feel you have developed this condition, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist who can offer you the correct treatment.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.
Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
- Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
- At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.
The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
- Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
- The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
- If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.
A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which there is a compression of the posterior tibial nerve. The posterior tibial nerve runs along the inside of the ankle into the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is named for the tarsal tunnel, which is a thin space along the inside of the ankle beside the ankle bones. This space contains various nerves, arteries, and tendons, and includes the posterior tibial nerve. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome the tibial nerve is compressed, causing tingling or burning, numbness, and pain.
Common causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome involve pressure or an injury. Injuries that produce inflammation and swelling in or around the tunnel may place pressure on the posterior tibial nerve. Direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or trauma to the tibial nerve, can result in tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diseases that damage nerves, such as diabetes or arthritis, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Those with flat feet are at risk for developing the condition, as the extra pressure and strain placed on the foot may compress the posterior tibial nerve.
Feeling different sensations in the foot at different times is a common symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome. An afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg. Symptoms are primarily felt on bottom of the foot and/or the inside of the ankle. Symptoms can appear suddenly and may occur due to overuse of the foot.
To diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome, your podiatrist may examine the foot and tap the posterior tibial nerve to see if symptoms surface. He or she may also order an MRI to determine if a mass is present.
Treating tarsal tunnel syndrome will depend on the decision of your podiatrist. Multiple options are available, however, and can include rest, ice, immobilization, oral medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), physical therapy, injection therapy, orthotics, supportive shoes, braces, and surgery.
Possible Foot Conditions From Pregnancy
Research has indicated that more than half of pregnant women experience uncomfortable foot conditions as it gets closer to delivering their child. A common ailment that is experienced can include flat feet, or collapsed arches, which can be a result of the additional weight the feet endure. Heel pain may come from plantar fasciitis which can happen when the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed. Hormonal changes may cause the condition that is known as cracked heels to develop, and relief may be found when a good moisturizer is frequently applied. If you would like additional information about how pregnancy can affect the feet, it is suggested that you consult with a podiatrist.
Pregnant women with swollen feet can be treated with a variety of different methods that are readily available. For more information about other cures for swollen feet during pregnancy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
What Foot Problems Can Arise During Pregnancy?
One problem that can occur is overpronation, which occurs when the arch of the foot flattens and tends to roll inward. This can cause pain and discomfort in your heels while you’re walking or even just standing up, trying to support your baby.
Another problem is edema, or swelling in the extremities. This often affects the feet during pregnancy but tends to occur in the later stages.
How Can I Keep My Feet Healthy During Pregnancy?
- Wearing orthotics can provide extra support for the feet and help distribute weight evenly
- Minimize the amount of time spent walking barefoot
- Wear shoes with good arch support
- Wear shoes that allow for good circulation to the feet
- Elevate feet if you experience swelling
- Massage your feet
- Get regular, light exercise, such as walking, to promote blood circulation to the feet
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Pregnancy and Foot Health
Many pregnant women complain about foot pain while they are expecting. Foot pain can primarily be caused by weight gain and hormonal changes taking place in the body. By understanding how pregnancy impacts the health of a woman's feet, a pregnant woman can take action to keep her feet as healthy and comfortable as possible.
Because a woman's weight changes during pregnancy, more pressure is brought to bear on both the legs and the feet. This weight shift can cause two major foot problems: over-pronation, also known as flat feet, as well as edema, which is swelling of the feet. Over-pronation occurs when the arch of the foot flattens, causing the foot to roll inwards when the individual is walking, and can aggravate the plantar fascia tissues located along the bottom of the feet. If these tissues become inflamed, a pregnant woman can experience pain in the heel of the foot as well as severe foot pain while walking or standing. Swelling of the feet, or edema, often occurs in the later stages of pregnancy. It is caused by slow circulation and water retention, and may turn the feet a light purple color.
To keep feet in good health and prevent over-pronation, pregnant women should avoid walking barefoot and be sure they are wearing shoes that offer good arch support. A device known as an orthotic can be added to regular footwear in order to provide additional support for the feet during pregnancy. Any expectant mother whose feet hurt should first check to see if the shoes she is wearing are old, worn out and not offering the proper support necessary for distributing the weight of her body during pregnancy.
To treat edema of the feet, a good start is to wear quality footwear which offers support and good circulation. Keep feet elevated whenever possible by using a foot stool while seated. Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of water to prevent water retention in the feet. Any swelling that occurs in only one foot should be examined as soon as possible by a doctor.
Good foot health during pregnancy can help expectant mothers avoid foot pain that leads to other health problems. Massaging the feet and doing regular gentle exercise like walking aids foot health by contributing to good circulation. Supportive shoes are also a good investment that will support foot health during pregnancy.
Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?
Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.
Signs You May Have Developed Gout
Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs when too much uric acid is found in the blood. When this uric acid progressively builds up, crystals form that attach to the joints and lead to pain, often felt in the foot or ankle region. This pain may also come in spurts, which is typically referred to as gout attacks. Redness and swelling of the feet, along with pain, and feeling slightly feverish, are all symptoms you may experience if you have developed gout. Because this condition can be incredibly painful, it’s recommended that you seek the care of a podiatrist who will be able to properly diagnose your condition, as well as offer you a means to alleviate your discomfort.
Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact one of our podiatrists from Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What Is Gout?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.
People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.
Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Everything You Need to Know About Gout
Gout, typically found in diabetic patients, is an unusually painful form of arthritis caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. The condition typically strikes the big joint on the big toe. It has also been known to strike the knees, elbows, fingers, ankles and wrists—generally anywhere that has a functioning, moving joint.
The high level of uric acid in a person’s bloodstream creates the condition known as hyperuricema—the main cause of gout. Genetic predisposition occurs in nine out of ten sufferers. The children of parents who suffer gout will have a two in ten chance of developing the condition as well.
This form of arthritis, being particularly painful, is the leftover uric acid crystallizing in the blood stream. The crystallized uric acid then travels to the space between joints where they rub, causing friction when the patient moves. Symptoms include: pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation. Additional side effects may include fatigue and fever, although reports of these effects are very rare. Some patients have reported that pain may intensify when the temperature drops, such as when you sleep.
Most cases of gout are easily diagnosed by a podiatrist’s assessment of the various symptoms. Defined tests can also be performed. A blood test to detect elevated levels of uric acid is often used as well as an x-ray to diagnose visible and chronic gout.
Treatment for gout simply means eliminating symptoms. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs (Colchicine and other corticosteroid drugs, etc.) will quell the redness, the swelling, and the inflammation. However, managing your diet, lifestyle changes, and using preventative drugs are all helpful toward fully combating the most severe cases.
Those that lead an inactive lifestyle are at a higher risk for gout. Any amount of exercise decreases the probability of repeat encounters with the condition. Reducing your consumption of red meat, sea food, and fructose-sweetened drinks also reduces the likelihood of chronic gout as well.
Ingesting Vitamin C, coffee, and particular dairy products can help with maintaining a healthy lifestyle. There are new drugs out on the market that inhibit the body’s production of uric acid-producing enzymes. However, reducing or eliminating your overall levels of uric acid is the best remedy to ensuring you lead a gout-free life.
What Causes Corns?
Patients who have experienced corns on their toes are often aware of the pain and discomfort they may cause. A corn is defined as a portion of skin that has thickened as a result of excess friction. This can happen when shoes that are worn do not fit correctly. Common places for a corn to develop can be on the inside or top of the toes, in addition to the bottom of the feet. Some patients find moderate relief when the foot is soaked in warm water, followed by using a pumice stone to gently remove the corn. For severe or stubborn corns, it is suggested that you seek the counsel of a podiatrist who can guide you toward the correct treatment options.
If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.
Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:
- Well-fitting socks
- Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
- Shoes that offer support
Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Corns and Calluses
A corn is a lesion that forms in the skin of the foot, and it is typically circular in shape, small in size, and thick and rough in texture. A corn generally occurs as a result of repeated pressure on the skin; one example of this is the rubbing of a shoe against the skin. Corns differ from calluses in that their central cores are harder in texture.
A corn is a relatively common condition with a wide variety of treatment options. If a corn becomes overly uncomfortable or painful, consult with your podiatrist; he can determine the best method of treatment that is appropriate for you. Corns may return if the underlying cause of its development is not treated or removed. Avoid removing corns at home, as improper removal may cause infection.
A callus, similar to a corn, is an area of skin that has become thickened due to repeated pressure and rubbing. The rubbing causes the skin to create a layer of protective skin, which is the formed callus. Calluses can differ in size between people, and they can also become painful.
Multiple treatments are available for calluses. At-home treatment and removal should be avoided, as this can potentially lead to infection. Your podiatrist can best determine the cause of your calluses and suggest the treatment most appropriate for you.
The Benefits of Foot Massages
Many patients are aware of the benefits of foot massages. These are often performed as foot therapy, which can help the feet to feel better and ease any existing pain. An effective way to begin a foot massage is by gently placing the palms on both sides of the foot, while twisting back and forth. Additionally, having the arches massaged can benefit the bottom of the foot. Flexibility may be increased when the toes are stretched as well. If there is pain in the Achilles tendon region, it may help to focus on massaging that area of the foot. If you would like more information on how foot massages may support general well-being, it is suggested that you schedule a consultation with a podiatrist.
Foot therapy is often necessary for those recovering from either foot deformities or foot injuries. If you have concerns regarding therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Fusion Foot and Ankle. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Most Common Injuries
People who are active or athletes are prone to a variety of injuries. Therefore, it is often important to take part in physical therapy in order to quickly get back on the right track.
What to Do When Injured
Physical Therapy – This specialized treatment will focus on the affected area, speeding up recovery and the overall healing process. It is a proven method that has helped millions of people return from any injury.
During physical therapy you will undergo regimented training to get back into full form. Training is often very difficult, especially at first when the foot feels weak. Physical therapy often involves:
Basic stretching and twisting exercises – getting the feet’s mobility and flexibility up.
Massaging – the therapist will massage the injured area in order to activate the muscles and relax them.
Strengthening Exercises – this allows the muscles in the affected area to regain their full strength, a vital step towards full recovery.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Fort Worth and Arlington, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
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