If you spend the majority of your day typing away at a keyboard or making any repetitive motion with your hands, the thought of carpal tunnel syndrome is probably constantly in the back of your mind. While there is plenty of information about what you can do to protect your hands and wrists from this condition, you may ask yourself: What about my feet? Can I get carpal tunnel in my feet as well?

Fortunately, since the carpal tunnels are only in the wrists, this condition only affects the hands. However, there is a condition that you may have never heard of that similarly affects the feet: tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). 

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Your wrists and ankles share a very similar anatomical makeup. In the same way that the carpal tunnel houses the median nerve in the wrist, you find the posterior tibial nerve within the tarsal tunnel on the interior side of the ankle. 

When the tarsal tunnel is compressed, it squeezes and constricts the posterior tibial nerve, leading to various sensations such as numbness, tingling, or sharp pain.

What Causes Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Any activity or existing medical condition that compresses the posterior tibial nerve can put you at risk of developing this painful condition. Here are a few of the most common causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome:

• Fallen Arches/Flat feet
• Arthritis
• Swelling from past injury
• Diabetes

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options

Treatment of tarsal tunnel syndrome will significantly vary depending on the root cause of the condition. Sometimes TTS symptoms are treated directly; however, sometimes, you must address an underlying issue to bring relief. While you should also consult a medical professional if you suspect that you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, there are some things you can do at home to ease the painful sensations. 

The first step in alleviating TTS symptoms is to bring down any swelling that may be present. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen have proven to take some of the pressure off of the tarsal tunnel, in turn decompressing the posterior tibial nerve. The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) also recommends professionally fitted custom orthotics for those with tarsal tunnel syndrome associated with having flat feet or fallen arches.

Your doctor may suggest a more aggressive treatment option such as steroid injections or even corrective surgery in more severe tarsal tunnel syndrome cases. 

Foot Pain Treatment in Fresno, Visalia, and Porterville

If you are experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness in your feet and you suspect that you might have tarsal tunnel syndrome, please don’t hesitate to contact us. At Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle, we specialize in treating TTS and many other nerve issues. 

Our team of podiatric specialists has proudly been providing the very best foot and ankle care to the Central Valley Area since 1997, and we are eager to help you get back on your feet and in peak condition. Click here to schedule an appointment today!