Inflamed Tibial Nerve and Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

The tibial nerve is found within the tarsal tunnel that is located in the back of the ankle. An injury can cause this nerve to become compressed or irritated, which may lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome. This is a narrow area, and may become swollen if a sprained ankle has occurred. Additionally, there may be an existing bone spur or varicose veins that can cause this condition. Patients who have medical conditions such as flat feet, high arches, diabetes, or a thyroid disorder may be prone to having this ailment. Common symptoms include foot and toe pain, and overall weakness in the foot. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is generally confirmed by having an examination performed. The inability to move the toes may lead to a positive diagnosis, which may be followed by having a nerve biopsy done. Treatment may include performing specific stretches, in addition to elevating the foot as often as possible. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you confer with a chiropodist who can guide you toward additional treatment methods.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and progress over time. If you are experiencing any symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the posterior tibial nerve, which is located within a structure called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle, is squeezed. Compression of the posterior tibial nerve can be caused by injuries, such as ankle sprains, systemic diseases like diabetes or arthritis, strain on the tarsal tunnel due to flat feet, or an enlarged structure like a cyst squeezing the nerve. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear suddenly and are generally worsened by physical activity. 

Common symptoms include: 

  • Tingling, burning, or electrical shock sensation on the inside of the ankle or bottom of the foot

  • Numbness

  • Shooting pain 

Diagnosis

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is diagnosed through physical examination. If initial treatment is ineffective, imaging or nerve studies may also be necessary. 

Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome include resting and icing the foot, bracing or immobilizing the foot, wearing an orthotic device, modifying your footwear, and taking medications to relieve pain. Surgery may be needed if nonsurgical treatments are ineffective.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Reminder: When Was the Last Time...?

Custom orthotics, or shoe inserts, should be periodically replaced. Orthotics must fit properly to give you the best results. Protect your feet and ankles!

Summer

Summer can be a time when the feet are particularly vulnerable to various medical problems. This is because the warm weather means that many people will wear shoes that do not adequately cushion and protect the feet or will go barefoot entirely. Fortunately, most summertime foot problems can be treated or prevented. 

In the summertime, most people frequent warm, moist public areas, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, walking around barefoot. These places are breeding grounds for various fungi and viruses that can get into the feet, causing an infection. Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It’s characterized by a red, scaly, itchy rash and skin peeling, usually found between the toes. Fungus can also infect the toenails, making them brittle, crumbly, thickened, and discolored. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common viral infection that can cause benign, fleshy growths called warts to grow on the soles of the feet. When going to public places, it’s suggested that you wear shoes to protect your feet from infectious agents and that you avoid sharing personal items like shoes and towels with others. 

For many people, staple summer footwear includes flip-flops and open-back, open-toe sandals. Unfortunately, these shoes are usually flimsy and don’t protect the feet or provide any support or cushioning. Some also require you to scrunch up your toes while you walk to keep the shoes on your feet. This can lead to a variety of foot and ankle injuries, heel pain, arch pain, bunions, hammertoes, and dry, cracked heels. When shopping for summer shoes, look for shoes that fit properly and have adequate cushioning in the heel and arch area. They should stay on your feet while you walk without any effort and protect your feet from the elements. If you must wear flip-flops, limit wear to just a few hours every few days, or when going to specific places like the pool or beach. 

For more information about common summer foot problems and how to treat and prevent them, please consult with a chiropodist. 

Swelling of the Feet in the Summertime

When the weather is hot and you have been on your feet all day, you can get uncomfortable swelling in your feet and ankles. This is a common occurrence and becomes more likely as you age. Edema is the medical name for swelling in the lower extremities. It is the result of abnormal fluid buildup. In addition to heat, edema can be brought on by things like excessive salt intake or drinking alcohol. Those who are overweight or suffer from venous insufficiency, where the veins in the legs have trouble pushing blood back toward the heart, can be more prone to foot swelling. Certain medications can also contribute to edema, such as antidepressants, steroids, and hormones. Edema can have more serious causes, such as those involving underlying health conditions like a blood clot in the leg, an injury, or failure of the heart, kidneys, or liver. If you suffer from swelling of your feet and do not know the cause, or if the swelling does not improve with rest and cooling down, it is suggested that you consult with a chiropodist to help you find out the cause and how to best deal with it.

Summer is the season for many foot and ankle issues. If you’re suffering from a foot or ankle problem, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Common Summer Foot Problems 

  • Athlete’s foot

  • Toenail fungus

  • Plantar warts

  • Foot and ankle injuries

  • Bunions

  • Hammertoes

  • Heel pain

  • Cracked heels 

  • Sunburns

  • Blisters

Prevention

  • Wear supportive shoes and avoid flip-flops

  • Maintain good foot hygiene

  • Exfoliate and moisturize the heels

  • Apply sunscreen to the feet and ankles

  • Wear shoes in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Summer

Wound Care

Slow-healing wounds on the feet are a frequent complication of diabetes and always warrant prompt medical attention. Left untreated, these wounds can develop into diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), greatly increasing your risk of infection, tissue death, and amputation. But how do these wounds form in the first place, and what can be done to prevent them?

Diabetics are often afflicted with two other co-occurring conditions, peripheral neuropathy and poor circulation. Peripheral neuropathy causes nerve damage and often affects the nerves of the lower limbs, leading to tingling, numbness, and a loss of sensation in the feet. A lack of sensation can leave you unable to physically feel pain if you cut, scrape, puncture, or otherwise injure your feet. This can be a serious problem, as pain is typically the first indication that something is wrong. When you don’t feel it happen, an injury on your foot can go undetected and untreated, progressively worsening until it forms a serious wound. These wounds usually heal slowly because of another complication of diabetes, poor circulation. When the blood supply to your feet is not adequate, this area of your body does not get the oxygen and nutrients that it needs to perform its usual processes, including wound healing. Poor circulation results in wounds that heal slowly or don’t heal at all. 

Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to prevent diabetic foot wounds from occurring or worsening. Maintain good foot hygiene by washing and thoroughly drying your feet each day and performing a daily foot check. Using a mirror or with help from a caregiver, examine your feet each day for any abnormalities, such as sores, cuts, scrapes, bruises, blisters, discoloration, swelling, and ingrown toenails. If you notice any foot problems, it is recommended that you see a chiropodist who can treat these issues and offer you more information about managing your foot health. 

What Are Foot Ulcers?

A foot ulcer is any open sore on the foot whether it is shallow or deep. People who have diabetes, poor circulation, and structural foot abnormalities that cause pressure spots on the feet are more apt to develop foot ulcers. Diabetics often have peripheral neuropathy or nerve damage which interferes with the feeling of pain or discomfort in their feet. Such people can accidentally injure their feet and not be aware of it. The visually impaired may not be able to examine their feet and catch problems. Foot ulcers can be slow to heal if circulation is a problem and may become infected, which can show as an abscess with pus. Such infections can lead to gangrene and amputation if not tended to promptly. If you have a foot ulcer, it is strongly suggested that you visit a chiropodist for a proper examination and offer a correct treatment plan.

Wound care is the process of treating and preventing wounds on the feet. This is especially important if you have diabetes, as diabetic foot wounds are common and can lead to serious complications when left untreated. To learn more about proper wound care, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment. 

Why Is Wound Care Important for Diabetics?

While wound care is important for maintaining the health of your feet, it is especially important for people with diabetes. This is because diabetics often suffer from poor blood circulation, causing foot wounds to heal very slowly or not to heal at all. Diabetics also frequently suffer from neuropathy or nerve loss. This means no matter how big or little the wound, they might not feel it on their foot. If the wound becomes severely infected, amputation may be necessary. This is why it is imperative that diabetics complete daily foot checks.

Wound Care Basics

The best way to care for wounds is to prevent them in the first place. It is recommended that people with diabetes perform a daily examination of their feet to locate cuts, scrapes, sores, or wounds. Early detection allows for ample time to treat the wounds and prevent further complications. If you notice a wound at home, you can clean it using water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Seeing a chiropodist, who can examine your feet thoroughly and treat any existing wounds, can also help you maintain proper foot health. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Wound Care

It's Time for Beautiful Feet

You don't need an excuse to have beautiful nails. Step outside without worrying about the appearance of your feet.

Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes the feet to sweat excessively. It typically affects both feet equally. Plantar hyperhidrosis can greatly affect one’s life. When the feet sweat too much, they can become chronically damp, cold, white, and pruney. The skin of the feet becomes a perfect breeding ground for a variety of fungi and bacteria that thrive in moist environments. Infections like athlete’s foot can spread on the feet and to the toes and other parts of the body. The feet may also produce a strong, unpleasant odor. 

Plantar hyperhidrosis can also affect your footwear. Excessive sweat can ruin your shoes over time. The moisture may also cause your feet to slip around or out of the shoes, becoming a serious safety hazard. Friction blisters also become more likely. At the same time, you may not want to take off your shoes, in fear of leaving behind damp footprints or having someone notice the state of your feet. 

Fortunately, a variety of treatments are available to reduce sweating and improve your quality of life. The first line of treatment is usually a topical antiperspirant. These can be bought over the counter at the drugstore or prescribed by your chiropodist. They typically come in the form of a gel, powder, or cream and are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweat from reaching the surface, much like the antiperspirants you might find in your deodorant. Another option is taking oral medications to temporarily reduce excessive sweating. Iontophoresis, a treatment that uses electrical currents conducted through water to reduce hyperactivity in the sweat glands may help. In some cases, more invasive treatments, like botox injections directly into the feet to disable the sweat glands, may be prescribed. 

To learn more about plantar hyperhidrosis and to find the right treatment for you, please consult with a chiropodist.  

Abnormal Foot Sweat

If feet sweat excessively, especially when participating in high intensity exercise, it may be from a condition called plantar hyperhidrosis. Besides sweaty feet being uncomfortable and embarrassing, this condition can also increase the risk of other problems, including foot odor, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. Things that can help with sweaty feet include wearing socks made of breathable material, like cotton, using antifungal powder or cornstarch to help keep feet dry and odor-free, and choosing shoes that fit properly and are right for the activity being done. Shoes made of patent leather or plastic should be avoided, as they trap sweat inside the shoe. If your feet sweat excessively and it is causing you discomfort or embarrassment, it is suggested that you see a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Plantar hyperhidrosis is a medical condition that causes excessive sweating of the feet. This problem is not only embarrassing but can also cause a variety of foot health problems if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for plantar hyperhidrosis. If you have very sweaty feet, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility. 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Excessive foot sweat

  • Sweating from both feet

  • Slipping out of shoes due to sweat

  • Damp footprints

  • Ruined shoes

  • Frequent foot infections

  • Friction blisters

  • Whitish foot color

  • Wrinkly, pruney feet

  • Cold feet

  • Strong odor

Treatment Options

  • Topical antiperspirants - Powders, creams, or gels that are applied directly to the feet to prevent sweating; can be over the counter or prescription strength

  • Oral medications - Pills taken by mouth to reduce sweating temporarily

  • Iontophoresis - A procedure that uses a mild electrical current conducted through water to reduce activity in hyperactive sweat glands

  • Botox - Injected into the feet to prevent activation of sweat glands

In addition to these treatment options, footwear modifications, such as wearing shoes and socks made of breathable or moisture-wicking materials, are also suggested. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Read more about Hyperhidrosis of the Feet

Toe Pain

The toes are hard at work every time you stand, walk, run, hop, skip, or jump. They help to push the foot off the ground and to keep you balanced. When a toe is in pain it can negatively impact your normal daily activities. Among the numerous causes for toe pain, the chief one is trauma, such as stubbing a toe or dropping something heavy on it. This often causes severe bruising and affects your ability to bear weight. Other common causes of toe pain are bunions, hammertoes, nerve damage, and toenail problems. In addition, toe pain can be caused by gout (a type of arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, sprains, or warts. Further causes include toenail infections, ingrown toenails, and athlete’s foot infections. Treatment by a chiropodist varies according to the underlying cause of the pain. In case of a broken or severely bruised toe, the remedy is usually to brace or splint the toe. Certain medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and injections may be administered. X-rays and imaging tests may be performed to determine the cause and severity of the toe pain. Custom orthotics may also be prescribed and fitted to counteract toe deformities or other problems. If your toe pain continues or worsens, it is suggested that you visit a chiropodist for an exam, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment options. 

Connect With Us