• New York
  • |
  • New Jersey

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) Test, Treatment in Brooklyn, NYC & NJ

Tarsal tunnel syndrome treatments are designed to get you back to full mobility. If you suffer permanent damage because you waited too long to see a TTS specialist, tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment is still available to lessen your pain and give you back your mobility. Call the experts at Neuro Injury Specialists in the New York and New Jersey area for a consultation with Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin, who may recommend the latest tarsal tunnel syndrome treatments, such as peripheral nerve or spinal cord stimulation. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you get back to peak health and avoid additional complications.

Table of contents

    What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Tarsal Tunnel SyndromeTarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness or tingling in the foot and toes due to compression or irritation of the tibial nerve. This condition is likely to affect people whose careers or lifestyles involve heavy, persistent use of the ankles and feet. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent nerve damage.

    Dr. Dmitriy Dvoskin of Neuro Injury Specialists provides a comprehensive and personalized treatment  for various nerve injuries and disorders. The pain management specialist performs a tarsal tunnel syndrome test and creates an effective treatment plan based on your specific condition, needs and lifestyle. The newest and best treatments are spinal cord stimulation  and peripheral nerve stimulation.

    What Are the Common Causes of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused  by various factors that increase the pressure leading to inflammation in the tarsal tunnel, where the tibial nerve runs. Overuse or repetitive activities that involve the ankle or foot, such as running, walking or standing for long periods are the most common causes of this problem.

    TTS can also be caused by systemic diseases that affect the nerves or cause fluid retention, such as diabetes, arthritis or hypothyroidism.

    Other causes include:

    • Injury or trauma to the ankle or foot, such as a sprain, fracture or blunt force
    • Flat feet or fallen arches, which stretch or strain the tibial nerve
    • Swelling or inflammation of the tissues or structures in the tarsal tunnel, such as in the tendons, ligaments or blood vessels
    • Cysts that have formed on any of the tarsal nerve structures
    • Varicose veins or enlarged blood vessels in the tarsal tunnel that compress the nerve
    • Foot deformities or abnormalities, such as bunions, hammertoes or bone spurs

    Who’s at Risk of Developing Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Some people may be more prone to developing tarsal tunnel syndrome than others, depending on your genetics, lifestyle and occupation. The tibial nerve can become compressed or irritated as it passes through a narrow space called the tarsal tunnel, causing nerve pain, numbness, tingling or burning sensations in the foot and toes.

    While your job may put you are a greater risk of developing TTS, other risk factors typically are at play as well. For example, if you also have other neurological issues, such as neuropathy in your hands, you may be at a higher risk due to genetics.

    Some of the other common risk factors include:

    • Tarsal tunnel syndrome is more common in older adults, as the nerve and tissues degenerate and wear out over time.
    • TTS is more common in women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, as hormonal changes also lead to fluid retention and swelling.
    • It’s more common in people who are overweight or obese, as excess weight puts more pressure on the nerves.
    • Occupational hazards. Jobs that tend to increase TTS risks include athletes, dancers, factory workers and soldiers.

    What Are the Long-Term Effects of Untreated Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition that can have lasting consequences if left untreated. The compression or damage of the tibial nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage, which can affect your foot function and quality of life.

    You may experience persistent or recurrent pain in your foot or ankle, limiting your mobility and interfering with your daily activities. The pain may also affect your sleep quality and moods.

    Other possible complications and long-term effects of untreated tarsal tunnel syndrome include:

    • Numbness and loss of sensation. You may lose the ability to feel the ground, your shoes or other objects with your foot or toes. This increases your risk of falls, infection or ulceration.
    • Muscle weakness and atrophy. You may lose the strength and control of your foot or ankle muscles, which affect your balance and coordination. Your muscles may also shrink or waste away due to lack of use.
    • Foot drop. You may develop a condition called foot drop, where your foot hangs down or drags when you walk. This may cause you to trip or fall and could require you to wear a brace or use a cane or walker.
    • Reduced blood flow. You may have impaired blood circulation in your foot or ankle, which causes swelling, coldness or discoloration. This also can affect your wound healing and increase your risk of infection or gangrene.

    What Are Available Treatments for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

    Tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. Minimally invasive surgical treatment involves releasing the tibial nerve from the tarsal tunnel by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel. This relieves the pressure on the nerve and restores its function.

    Conservative treatments are non-surgical that alleviate the symptoms and prevent further nerve damage and neuropathy in your feet.

    Some of the available non-surgical tarsal tunnel syndrome treatments include:

    • Spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. These new tarsal tunnel syndrome treatments effectively relieve your pain and other symptoms.
    • Medications. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce the pain and inflammation. Taking oral corticosteroids, such as prednisone, helps with severe inflammation.
    • Injecting corticosteroid into the tarsal tunnel reduces inflammation and pain. This provides temporary relief and helps your doctor confirm a diagnosis.
    • Physical therapy. Performing exercises and stretches that target the foot and ankle improves strength, flexibility and range of motion in the affected area. This also prevents stiffness and contractures.
    • Orthotics and braces. Wearing special shoe inserts, such as arch supports or heel wedges, corrects the foot alignment and posture and reduces the pressure on the nerve. Wearing a splint or brace can also help immobilize and support the foot and ankle to prevent further injury.

    Contact Neuro Injury Specialists  in New York and New Jersey for tarsal tunnel syndrome testing, such as nerve conduction velocity testing (NCV)  and electromyography (EMG) testing. Seek treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome as soon as possible if you experience any signs or symptoms of this condition to eliminate pain and reduce your risk of developing even more serious complications.