Treatments for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the nerves running to the foot. It is the squeezing of the posterior tibial nerve caused by the overuse of the foot. The risk for tarsal tunnel syndrome is increased for people who are on their feet all day. The symptoms are painful burning or tingling from the ankle to the toes. Pain also occurs when running or standing for a long period of time. Numbness can also be triggered by tarsal tunnel syndrome. Diagnosis is performed by a physical examination and electrodiagnostic testing. A tinel's test can be performed, which is the tapping of the nerve to reproduce the pain.

Immediate Treatment

• Ice needs to be applied to relieve symptoms of acute tarsal tunnel syndrome. It helps take down any swelling that can occur. Rest and immobilization help speed the healing process.

Medication Treatment

• It is usual to take oral medications when treating the pain and swelling of tarsal tunnel syndrome. NSAIDS, which are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are used for treatment. These include aspirins and ibuprofen.

Physical Therapy Treatment

• Physical therapy treatment includes strengthening exercises and ultrasound therapy. Ultrasounds treat soft-tissue injuries with high-frequency sound waves. It is thought that ultrasound reduces healing time.

Injection Therapy Treatment

• Injection therapy includes local anesthetic injections for pain control. Injections may also include corticosteroid injections to help treat inflammation.

Support Treatment

• For support treatment, a variety of devices are used to help. Orthotic devices can be used, which are insoles that support the foot arch. Special support shoes can also be worn to relieve symptoms. Braces can also be fitted to the ankle and foot to reduce the pressure on the tibial nerve.

Surgery Treatment

• If the condition is severe, then surgery is an optional treatment. This is a surgical procedure to relieve the compression on the nerves.