Nerves in our feet play a very important role during walking as the sense of touch helps us in pulling our feet away from any sharp or hot surfaces thus avoiding an injury. One of the most important nerves in our feet is posterior tibial nerve/ tibial nerve. Damage to this nerve due to any reason may lead to a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome.

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel is a narrow tunnel at the inner side of ankle through which nerve, vessels and important tendons of the feet pass. It is bounded on one side by the bone and on other side by a thick ligament called Flexor Retinaculum.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome happens due to dysfunction of posterior tibial nerve that can happen due to progressive pressure of the nerve in this space.

What are the common causes?

• Any disease that can damage the nervous system, including diabetes
• Existing structural problem of the foot like flat feet that overstretches the tibial nerve
• Benign bony growths in the “tunnel” area
• Presence of soft tissue growths like tumours, ganglion cyst or lipoma near the tibial nerve
• Inflammation in ankle due to arthritis, trauma or injuries
• Swollen blood vessels like varicose veins in the tunnel region

The common symptoms associauted with this disorder

• Experiencing pain, tingling or burning sensation in the inside of the ankle and sole of the foot
• The weakness of foot muscles, toes, and ankle that can even make walking or curling of toes painful
• Numbness in the distribution of the nerve, typically sole of the foot
• In severe and neglected cases, it may even lead to development of infection or ulcer on the foot

Your medical expert may ask you to undergo various medical tests, including MRI and nerve conduction studies to diagnose this foot condition.

The risk associated with this foot problem

If this foot problem is left untreated, then it may result in permanent and irreversible nerve damage to the nerves. It can lead to many difficulties in performing day-to-day activities including walking.

What is the treatment procedure to cure this problem?

The exact treatment method will be chosen according to the severity of the condition. There are many treatment options that may be helpful in the treatment and your doctor may recommend one or a few of them.

• Using ice therapy for 20 mins every hour to reduce the swelling if any.
• Adequate rest to the foot and limiting activities
• Physical therapy to alleviate pain and other symptoms
• Wear shoes that can provide extra support to your foot
• Use custom-fitted orthotics that provide support to the arch, especially if you have flat feet
• Medicines including Non-Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) to curb pain and inflammation
• In cases with severe pain, immobilization of the foot in a cast may be needed.
• Ultrasound-guided Local Anesthetic or steroid injection into the nerve may be tried to reduce inflammation.

If the problem cannot be treated with a non-surgical approach, then your medical expert may suggest surgery. The type of surgery depends on the cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome but it generally involves decompression of the nerve as well as removing the causative factor.

If you think you are suffering from this condition, you should consult a foot and ankle specialist so that the disease is taken care of at an early stage. If you are looking for an experienced foot and ankle doctor in Gurgaon, then contact Dr. Anuj Chawla. He has many years of experience in this area and will try his best to cure the problem as soon as possible.