Tarsal Tunnel Inflammation – Treatment, Exercises, & Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel inflammation is the tingling, shooting pain, burning sensation, or numbness in the foot. The tunnel is the narrow space that lies inside the ankle, covered by a thick ligament that protects the structures inside the nerves, arteries, veins, and tendons. The tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by squeezing or compression, causing tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms inside the ankle.

Tarsal Tunnel Inflammation Diagnosis

Make an appointment with a podiatrist who will examine the foot for diagnosis and will create a treatment plan for you. The tarsal tunnel syndrome specialist asks about the progression of the symptoms and the medical history of the affected area, followed by a physical examination. The foot is positioned to make it possible to tap on the nerve to see if tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms will be reproduced. It is followed by pressing on the foot to determine the presence of a small mass. Additional imaging tests like electromyography are conducted to evaluate nerve dysfunction, especially if the doctor suspects the presence of a growth or mass in the foot.

Tarsal Tunnel Inflammation Treatment

The tarsal tunnel syndrome treatment depends on the underlying cause of pain and symptoms.

At-home treatment

• Rest the foot to prevent further injury and encourage healing.
• Apply ice to the affected area. Apply ice for 20 minutes and wait 40 minutes before re-applying ice again. Place a thin towel between the skin and the ice.
• Immobilization. Restrict movement to enable the healing of the nerves and surrounding tissues by wearing a cast.
• Take oral medications such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain.
• Shoes. Wear supportive shoes recommended by the foot doctor.

Doctor-prescribed treatments

• Physical therapy modalities, exercises, and ultrasound therapy are recommended to reduce symptoms.
• Injection therapy of local anesthetic and corticosteroid treats inflammation of the foot.
• Orthotic devices are prescribed to limit excess motion and maintain the arch to avoid further compression of the nerve.
• Bracing is done for patients with flat feet and those with severe nerve damage and symptoms, to reduce pressure on the foot.

Surgery

• The foot and ankle doctor determine if it is the best option for tarsal tunnel inflammation treatment. The doctor determines the appropriate procedure to use for the best relief to your foot.

Exercises

• The tarsal tunnel inflammation is due to damage or irritation and so you should be gentle when exercises. Tarsal tunnel syndrome exercises reduce swelling and pain and help the tendons to heal. Exercises focus on gentle movements to build flexibility and reduce irritation in the ankle. Calf stretches are the best in reducing tightness around the ankle by relieving swelling and stress. Posterior tibialis heel lifts help the tarsal tunnel by strengthening and stretching the tendon to reduce discomfort and swelling.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome issues can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing pain with your tarsal tunnel syndrome symptoms, contact the podiatrist at DeNiel Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.