Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of Tarsal tunnel syndrome are pain and inflammation in the front of the foot. There are different risk factors and treatments for this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of Tarsal tunnel syndrome include pain, tingling, numbness, and swelling. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an uncommon condition affecting the tibial nerve in the back of the foot. It causes pain and numbness and can radiate to the heel.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as gout, arthritis, and overpronation. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop suddenly or gradually. However, in most cases, it is relieved by rest.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is usually diagnosed with a physical examination. This examination may include an X-ray, ultrasound, or nerve conduction study. The results of this examination can help diagnose the condition and identify its aetiology.

If the patient does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary. The surgeon will use small incisions in the ankle to restretch the ligament. The patient should be able to walk normally after two to three weeks.

Patients can also use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and ice packs to reduce pain and swelling. An MRI can be used to determine if there are space-occupying lesions. These lesions may include tumours that contain nerve fibres, ganglion cells, or fat tissue.

Diagnosis

Generally, the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome is made based on clinical history and clinical examination. However, a number of diagnostic tests may be used to make the diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a disorder that causes pain, tingling and numbness in the foot. It can be caused by injury, inflammation or other conditions that affect the nerve. It can also be associated with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes.

The first step in determining the diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome involves examining the patient’s foot. The examiner looks for any injuries, deformities or physical characteristics that could indicate the condition. During this examination, the examiner may also perform Tinel’s sign to check for nerve entrapment. This test involves tapping the tibial nerve to reproduce the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

A second diagnostic test is an electromyography. This test uses a machine to record the electrical activity of skeletal muscles. Tarsal tunnel syndrome patients frequently have abnormal electromyography results.

X-rays can help rule out fractures and bone spurs. These images can also help determine the presence of a tumour or space-occupying lesion. An MRI scan is also used to evaluate soft tissue lesions.

Treatment

Despite its rarity, tarsal tunnel syndrome can be diagnosed and treated. The most common symptom is a tingling or burning sensation at the bottom of the foot or inside of the ankle. It may also affect the arch and heel. It is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs down the lower leg to the foot.

The diagnosis of tarsal tunnel syndrome is made by imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nerve conduction studies. MRI is an imaging technique that uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create a cross-sectional image of organs. The imaging tests may also reveal bone spurs or intrusive masses in the ankle.

The symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome may improve with rest and medication. Anti-inflammatory medications and topical ointments may reduce pain and swelling. Other treatments include resting the foot, changing footwear, and using orthotics.

If conservative treatment does not provide relief, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is most commonly used for severe cases of tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Risk factors

Various medical conditions can lead to the development of tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). The disease is characterized by pain in the foot, which is typically felt on the inside of the ankle. The symptoms may also extend to the arch and heel.

The tibial nerve (the nerve that runs through the lower leg to the ankle) is compressed in the tarsal tunnel. The pain is characterized by a burning sensation and numbness. Symptoms often aggravate after prolonged standing or walking.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be caused by trauma or anatomical-biomechanical abnormalities. It can also be triggered by a number of systemic diseases, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypothyroidism.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is also associated with gout, arthritis, and other diseases. It may also be the result of a space-occupying lesion. Some of these include osteophytes, lipomas, and extraneural ganglion cysts.

An MRI scan may be ordered to diagnose a space-occupying lesion and to determine the degree of nerve compression. An MRI can also be used to rule out benign tumours.

Additional info: https://www.kentcht.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Tarsal-tunnel-syndrome-01004-v3.pdf