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Tarsal 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.
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:
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 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:
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:
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.