Ankle and Foot Pain Treatments (tarsal tunnel syndrome)?
Ankle and foot pains are among other reason can be caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome (or tarsal tunnel) is caused by compression or damage to the nerve supplying the heel and sole of the foot (posterior tibial nerve). It results in pain in the ankle, foot and sometimes in the toes.
The posterior tibial nerve is located at the back of the ankle and passes through a fibrous duct (tarsal duct) behind the medial malleolus. The posterior tibial nerve is inserted on the calcaneus, bone of the foot and connects the triceps sural, muscle of the posterior superficial compartment of the leg or calf. Inflammation of the tissues near the tarsal duct compresses the nerve causing pain.
What are the treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome?
Medical treatments depend on the cause of the pain but in general, conservative treatment (rest, icing, shoes) is generally recommended.
- NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and corticoid infiltrations can be prescribed as well as ankle rehabilitation sessions
- Orthotics, orthopedic insoles.
- Surgical treatment is required if conservative treatment fails after a minimum of 6 months. It is based on neurolysis of the plantar nerve, which is a section of the plantar nerve, which frees the nerve from its ligament compression. The operation is performed under general or locoregional anesthesia.
- Hospitalization can be outpatient or for a few days depending on the case: The ankle can be immobilized by a splint for 15 days during which support is authorized.