Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Knoxville’s Choice for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Our Specialty
What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome, or TTS, is a disease that happens when the tibial nerve is damaged or squeezed. The tibial nerve is a nerve in your ankle that goes through your tarsal tunnel, which is made up of bones and tendons in your ankle.
Subspecialties
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms
Most of the time, symptoms are felt on the inside of the ankle or the bottom of the foot. Some people may only have one spot where a symptom occurs. In some people, it can reach the heel, the arch, the toes, and even the leg.
When a person has tarsal tunnel syndrome, they may have one or more of the following signs:
- A tingling, burning, or electric shock-like feeling
- Numbness
- Pain, including shooting pain
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Causes
When your tibial nerve gets damaged, you can get tarsal tunnel syndrome. Damage to the tibial nerve can be caused by:
- Flat feet
- High arches in the feet
- Injuries, like a severely sprained ankle or a broken ankle
- Growths that don’t look right, like ganglion cysts, bone spurs, or varicose veins
- Lipomas or growth in the area of your tibial nerve
- Conditions that affect the whole body, such as asthma, diabetes, and arthritis
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
There are many different treatment options for this condition. The non-surgical treatment options include but are not limited to:
- RICE therapy – Rest, ice, compression, and elevation
- Medications – Nonsteroidal medications like ibuprofen will help reduce pain and swelling in the area
- Braces, casts, or splints – Your foot is held in place by a cast or splint to help the nerve heal. If you have flat feet or have significant symptoms, your doctor may suggest a brace to relieve pressure on your feet
- Orthotics – You can use insoles that are made just for you. Orthotics can help you keep the arch in your foot in a position that makes it harder to move in ways that pinch nerves. A stability or motion-controlled shoe also keeps your foot from rolling inward and relieves pressure on your nerves
- Physical therapy – A physical therapist will give you stretches and routines to help you get stronger and move better
- Steroid injections – Your doctor may give you steroids you can take orally, or steroid shots to reduce pain and swelling
If your TTS symptoms are still bad after you’ve tried non-surgical treatments, your doctor may suggest foot surgery. You can have an operation to free up your tibial nerve or to make your tarsal tunnel wider. If a lump is pressing on a nerve, your doctor will take it out to stop the nerve pressure.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Care in Eastern Tennessee
Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance has many locations in and around Knoxville where they offer orthopedic foot care.
Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists who can help you “get back on your feet” and do the things you love to do again.
Our Foot And Ankle Surgeons
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