Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- How common is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- What are the usual tests for tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Definition
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a rare disease that affects the nerves between the metatarsal tubes. These nerves act as absorbent sensations and control movement in the ankles and feet. This disease causes a burning sensation in the ankles and lower legs. This is a neurological disorder similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.
How common is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is more common in adults. People who often exercise such as athletes, and whose jobs require heavy physical activity are susceptible to this disease. However, this disease may also affect children.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of Tarsal tunnel syndrome include:
- Excruciating pain, numbness or tingling in the ankle to the sole of the foot
- Loss of feeling in the feet
- The pain gets worse at night, when moving, and lessens at rest
- Pain often comes and goes
From time to time, this disease will cause loss of leg mobility due to inactive nerves. Sometimes the loss of nerve function results in a strange gait but not paralysis.
Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
When should I see a doctor?
Contact your doctor if you have the above signs and symptoms, especially those that affect your daily activities. You need to see a doctor as soon as possible if a sudden, severe pain in your leg fades away and changes to numbness from the neck to your feet, or a burning and stinging feeling in your legs.
Cause
What causes tarsal tunnel syndrome?
The cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome is usually the tibial nerve or its branches on the sides of the ankles and lower legs being pinched. This pressure can come from damage from injuries such as cracks and serious sprains. Other causes include localized tumors and other problems such as improper shoe sizes.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Certain factors may increase your risk of tarsal tunnel syndrome:
- Fat
- Arthritis, rheumatism or rheumatoid arthritis
- Ankle injury
- Inflammation of the tendon sheath
- Congenital abnormalities in the form of flat feet
Not having risk factors does not mean you cannot experience this condition. These factors are for reference only. Consult a doctor for more details.
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can be relieved by anti-inflammatory drugs, but they cannot reduce the pressure on the nerves. To relieve pressure on the nerves, you need to wear medical shoe lids. Medical shoelaces help redistribute weight and relieve pressure on the ankle nerves. In addition, sports or changing shoe sizes are also important to reduce pressure on the ankles.
If such treatments are ineffective or if tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by another disease, the doctor may recommend surgery to reduce pressure on the nerves.
However, surgical treatment has a number of risks and the pain does not go away immediately after surgery. Scar tissue can also form around the nerves after surgery or the nerve damage cannot be healed. Postoperative recovery may take several months.
What are the usual tests for tarsal tunnel syndrome
Doctors diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome based on medical history, physical examination, and electrical impulses nerve (EMG) examination. The doctor will examine the tibial nerve. You may have an X-ray scan so that your doctor can treat arthritis and bone diseases that cause similar symptoms.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Lifestyle and home remedies below may help treat Tarsal tunnel syndrome:
- Use the medicine according to the doctor's instructions
- Take breaks and lift your legs regularly
- Keep your feet clean and have your feet checked regularly
- Wear the right shoes for every activity
- Do not exercise during the treatment period as it will only make the disease worse
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
