Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a painful foot condition in which the tibial nerve is impinged and compressed as it travels though the tarsal tunnel. Patients complain typically of numbness in the foot, radiating to the big toe and the first 3 toes, pain, burning, electrical sensations, and tingling over the base of the foot and the heel.
Depending on the area of entrapment, other areas can be affected. If the entrapment is high, the entire foot can be affected as varying branches of the tibial nerve can become involved. Ankle pain is also present in patients who have high level entrapments.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is most common in active adults, but it can also occur in children. The burning or tingling sensation it causes is a function of the compressed tibial nerve attempting to send signals between the foot and brain.
People with exceptionally flat feet can develop tarsal tunnel syndrome because the flattened arch causes the muscles and nerves around the ankle to change their route slightly, compressing the tibial nerve.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed by physical exam and the patient�s history of their complaint. A history of gradual and progressive burning on the bottom of the foot should alert the doctor to the possible diagnoses.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome can seriously impact patients' quality of life. And depending on the severity, the ability to walk distances that normal people take for granted (such as grocery shopping) may become compromised. Proper pain management is needed...
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