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Are Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Similar?

Monday, 05 April 2021

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the inside of the ankle that protects the veins, tendons, arteries and nerves within it, such as the tibial nerve. Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed. Symptoms range from a shooting pain, numbness, or a burning/tingling sensation anywhere along the tibial nerve from the ankle down through the heel, arch, and even toes. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome (which occurs in the wrist) in that both conditions involve a nerve being compressed within a confined space. Common causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include flat feet, ankle sprains, diabetes and arthritis, and other conditions that contribute to compressing, or squeezing the tibial nerve. It’s important to seek prompt treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome because if left untreated the condition may permanently damage the tibial nerve. If you believe you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact a podiatrist who can properly diagnose your condition and provide a variety of treatments and therapies.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Some Common Running Injuries?

Monday, 29 March 2021

Did you know that many runners are sidelined by injuries each year? Common injuries to the feet and ankles, such as plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle sprains, and foot fractures, often affect runners. A combination of factors, including anatomical issues, wearing the wrong shoes, or training incorrectly, can lead to a painful injury. To help avoid running injuries, it is suggested that you stretch and strengthen your feet and ankles, find shoes that fit the biomechanics of your feet, and increase the mileage, intensity, and duration of your runs slowly over time. For more information about preventing foot and ankle injuries caused by running, please consult with a podiatrist.

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

What is a Lateral Ankle Sprain?

Monday, 22 March 2021

Foot and ankle injuries—particularly lateral ankle sprains—are the most common forms of physical trauma that athletes face. In order to regain full motion and movement while avoiding any secondary injuries from occurring, accurate diagnosis and proper treatment is necessary. Lateral ankle sprains typically take place when the ankle rolls outward—forcing ligaments along the side of the ankle to stretch unnaturally and tear, and in some cases, cause joint instability to occur. The severity of the damage dictates the course of treatment which can include prophylactic support, immobilization, anti-inflammatory or steroid medications, balance and neuromuscular control activities, and more. If you are an athlete that has suffered from any kind of injury to your foot or ankle, make an appointment with a podiatrist for a full examination.

Ankle sprains are common but need immediate attention. If you need your feet checked, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM from Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

How Does an Ankle Sprain Occur?

Ankle sprains take place when the ligaments in your ankle are torn or stretched beyond their limits. There are multiple ways that the ankle can become injured, including twisting or rolling over onto your ankle, putting undue stress on it, or causing trauma to the ankle itself.

What Are the Symptoms?

Mild to moderate bruising
Limited mobility
Swelling
Discoloration of the skin (depending on severity)

Preventing a Sprain

Wearing appropriate shoes for the occasion
Stretching before exercises and sports
Knowing your limits

Treatment of a Sprain

Treatment of a sprain depends on the severity. Many times, people are told to rest and remain off their feet completely, while others are given an air cast. If the sprain is very severe, surgery may be required.

If you have suffered an ankle sprain previously, you may want to consider additional support such as a brace and regular exercises to strengthen the ankle.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Lake Jackson, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Wednesday, 17 March 2021

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Causes and a Possible Solution for Ingrown Toenails

Monday, 15 March 2021

An ingrown toenail can be quite painful and uncomfortable. It is a foot condition defined as a toenail that grows into the sides of the nail bed. This can occur for a variety of reasons including genetics, trimming the toenails incorrectly, or from an injury to the affected toe. Additionally, this condition may also arise due to wearing shoes that do not have adequate room for the toes to move freely in. A common symptom is extreme tenderness surrounding the affected nail, and pus may drain from the area if it becomes infected. Many patients have found mild relief when the foot is frequently soaked in warm water, and this can be helpful in softening the skin to gently lift the corners of the nail. If you have developed an ingrown toenail it is suggested that you seek professional advice from a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Jack A. Sasiene, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

Bacterial infections
Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.