Some of the patients we see at Advanced Foot Care of NJ present with a very specific set of symptoms: Shooting pain along the foot, tingling in the toes, and numbness that kicks in when climbing stairs. Unfortunately, these patients suffer from tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS), a condition that compresses the tibial nerve behind the ankle. And like any foot or ankle issue, this one only worsens when treatment is neglected.

Our patients deserve only the best, and that standard of care extends to both preventative and informative efforts. This blog post is dedicated to teaching you the basics of TTS so that, hopefully, you won’t have to learn about it the hard way.

What is TTS?

TTS occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, responsible for sensation and movement in your foot, gets squeezed by surrounding tissues.
This can be caused by flat feet, fallen arches, injuries, and even tight footwear.
Diabetes and arthritis also cause the swelling and nerve compression that leads to TTS.

Symptoms and Signs

The hallmarks of TTS are:

Pain: A burning, tingling, or aching sensation along the bottom of your foot, radiating to your toes.
Numbness: Loss of feeling, particularly in the toes and soles.
Weakness: Difficulty flexing your foot and issues with muscle fatigue.

Conservative Interventions

TTS often responds well to non-surgical treatments:

Supportive Footwear: Embrace shoes with good arch support and a wide toe box.
Orthotics: Custom-made inserts can correct foot imbalances and alleviate pressure on the nerve.
Braces or Splints: Stabilizing the ankle reduces nerve compression, promoting healing.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen your surrounding muscles and improve flexibility can offer long-term relief.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and, in some cases, cortisone injections can be used to manage inflammation and pain.

Surgical Solutions

In severe cases, a podiatrist might suggest surgery to release pressure.
This typically involves making an incision behind the ankle and then creating more space for the nerve.

Following a solid treatment plan can take TTS from debilitating to manageable, so please let us assist you! At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, award-winning Dr. Anant Joshi and his staff treat a range of conditions and are committed to providing results. To schedule an appointment, contact his office in Woodland Park, NJ, at 973-256-000.