ORTHOPEDICS/LEG, FOOT & ANKLE/TARSAL TUNNEL DISORDER
The tarsal tunnel is a surface in the foot shaped between bones and the covering fibrous tissue.
Nside the tarsal tunnel a nerve called the “posterior tibial” nerve lies, in addition arteries, veins, and tendons.
The tarsal tunnel is enveloped on one side by robust bones and on the other side by the flexor retinaculum ligament hard fibrous tissue.
When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed within the tarsal tunnel, a tarsal tunnel syndrome results.
This disorder is comparable in its mechanism, to the wrist carpal tunnel syndrome. Both syndromes result when a nerve is compressed inside a confined surface.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome/Signs
As said before, when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome occurs and patients frequently complain of coldness over the foot bottom.
Moreover, when Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome happens, complaints of pain, burning over the foot and heel base.
The Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome pain may localized, as it may occur over a larger zone of the foot, ankle, and even the calf.
Rarely, tarsal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis or heel limbs are coonfusing terms.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome /Causes
The tarsal tunnel syndrome cause is still unknown in most cases; however, it may be the result of cracks, arthritic bone limbs, tumors, other benign polyps, muscle impingement, or foot abnormalities.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is also seen with an ankle inflammation, diabetes or arthritis that may narrow the tunnel.
In addition, a varicose vein or inflamed tendon might also be a reason.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome/Diagnosis
As previously mentioned, the tarsal tunnel syndrome diagnosis can be confusing.
“Tinel’s Test,” or tapping on the nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, may show the symptoms and designate tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Electrodiagnostic a pulse of electricity conducting through a nerve may also help diagnosis.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome /Therapy
As almost all the injuries types, Therapy starts with relax and anti-inflammatory medicines.
A cortisone injection may eventually be performed into the zone around the nerve.
Orthotics and footwear switching may also help to relieve pain
In case all these measures did not reach good healing and pain remains, then a technique called a “tarsal tunnel release” may be necessary.
This technique is a surgical intervention performed in the operating room, and it lasts about 30 to 45 minutes.
A Tarsal tunnel release consist of opening an incision to reach the tarsal tunnel and decrease pressure on the posterior tibial nerve.
The tarsal tunnel release is a surgery similar to a carpal tunnel release in the wrist.