Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Symptoms and Treatments
Especially when colleges reopen in the fall, many come to us, complaining of plantar fasciitis or ankle pain. However, often that’s not the problem.
In fact, few of the cases that we get are actually diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome. With similarities in symptoms and type of pain, it can be tough to identify the signs, therefore, we advise people to not rule anything out until they consult us.
What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
You have a tibial nerve in your body, which stretches from behind the knee and runs down into the foot; right behind medial malleolus.
Tarsal tunnel is the name of the passage that lies under the retinaculum—used to tether down the nerve. This syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve is irritated due to friction or compression, and results in an inflammation. In more serious situations, it can actually get shorter and tighten up. This prevents it from sliding across the tunnel easily. It can get even more scarred when you move, as it rubs against the tunnel and tissue even further.
How do You Recognize it?
It is usually accompanied with paresthesia. This leads to a tingling and numbness of your nerves. It can also be marred with regular instances of shooting pain.
If you walk for an extended period, or stand for that long and exert additional pressure on your nerve, you may exacerbate the symptoms.
How does Chiropractic Treatment Help?
Once we figure out why your nerve is being compressed, with the help of a thorough physical checkup, we will be able to assess and properly communicate the reason behind that discomfort. We also provide you with manual therapy to reduce the inflammation and swelling, as well as recommend exercises for quicker recovery.
We may even recommend some foot inserts or orthotics to help support your foot and prevent excessive pressure from being applied, so that your symptoms can be resolved faster.
What is the Best Exercise You can opt for?
You could try bending your knees while lying on your back; and then lifting your thigh up and holding it in the position. Bend it and then straighten it slowly, to stretch your tibial nerve. You may also try standing on the ground and squeeze a tennis ball between your heels.
While these exercises are effective, if you feel that the pain persists, contact us. We can create a customized exercise program, along with chiropractic treatment that works for you.
To avail our services in Shelby township, call us now on 502-633-1073 for further details.
