Getting Help With My Feet

Posted on: 20 July 2023

Tarsal tunnels contain nerves which run down to your feet. If a tunnel is compressed, then you can suffer from some nerve pain or damage in your ankle or foot. This can be a debilitating experience. Your foot will hurt, and you might develop mobility problems.

While some people with tarsal tunnel syndrome need surgery to fix their problems, many find relief in non-surgical treatments. For example, your doctor might recommend that you see a podiatrist to help you manage your symptoms until your condition eases.

What can a podiatrist do to manage tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Immediate Pain Relief Plans

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be painful and uncomfortable. You might have sharp shooting pains in your foot and ankle. Or, you might have numbness, tingling, or burning sensations.

During your first session with your podiatrist, they will help you create a plan to deal with your immediate pain and discomfort. They can recommend ways to modify activities which make your condition worse. For example, they might tell you to cut down on walking and standing and to rest your foot more.

They might also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications which will bring you some immediate and longer-term relief. They can show you how and where to apply ice packs to reduce your pain and inflammation.

If your pain is severe and affects the way you can use your foot, then your podiatrist might also administer corticosteroid injections. These injections give you immediate relief; they also help reduce inflammation in the area more quickly.

Ongoing Therapeutic Procedures

While immediate pain relief management helps you feel better, it doesn't necessarily fix your problem in the long-term. So, your podiatrist is likely to use other therapeutic techniques to help your foot heal faster.

Temporary orthotic devices are useful tools here. Shoe inserts help support the foot more effectively. They relieve pressure on sore areas and give them the support they need to heal.

Physical therapy is also often useful in a tarsal tunnel treatment plan. Your podiatrist can teach you exercises that strengthen your foot and ankle and improve their mobility. These exercises should relieve your pain and discomfort. They also help you heal faster and prevent a recurrence of your current problems.

However, if you're suffering from severe pain and discomfort, then you might need a less physically intensive fix before you can start physical therapy. For example, your podiatrist might fit a brace to keep your foot and ankle immobile until they show signs of healing.

To get the help you need, schedule an appointment with a local podiatrist.