Patients sometimes ask our experienced podiatrist in Allen, TX, whether their foot pain or ankle pain is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. The answer is a mixture of “yes” and “no.” Carpal tunnel syndrome only occurs in the wrist, but it is possible for you to suffer a very similar ailment in your ankle called tarsal tunnel syndrome. Keep reading to learn more!
Tarsal tunnel syndrome gets its name from a place in your ankle called the “tarsal tunnel.” This tunnel houses a combination of arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves that run from your foot up your leg. One nerve in particular is called the posterior tibial nerve. Sometimes, this nerve gets squeezed or compressed, and the result is tarsal tunnel syndrome.
According to our Allen podiatrist, the compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the tarsal tunnel can result in the following symptoms…
In this case, the difference between these two syndromes lies mainly in the name. The “tarsal tunnel” is the name of the tunnel in your ankle, while the “carpal tunnel” is the name of a tunnel in your wrist. Beyond the difference in name, however, the causes and symptoms of both syndromes can be very similar.
Our podiatrist in Allen, TX, explains that treatment for tarsal tunnel can vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity of each person’s condition. Conservative treatments may include resting your foot and ankle, applying ice, and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen. In moderate cases, our Allen podiatrist sometimes recommends physical therapy, immobilization of the foot and ankle with a cast, or orthotic shoe inserts. In severe cases, injection therapy or surgery may be considered, but these options are always a last resort.
If you believe you are suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, our experienced podiatrist in Allen, TX, can help you reduce or eliminate your pain and restore your mobility. Call Dallas Podiatry Works for an appointment today!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Dallas Podiatry Works, with a convenient podiatry office near Allen, TX, by clicking here or by calling 972.853.7100.
Dallas Office: 12221 Merit Drive, Suite 280, Dallas, TX 75251
Plano Office: 5068 W. Plano Parkway, Suite 155, Plano, TX 75093
