Four Things You Need to Know About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Four Things You Need to Know About Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
You’ve probably heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but have you heard of tarsal tunnel? While carpal tunnel affects wrists and hands, tarsal tunnel affects ankles and feet. The tarsal tunnel is actually a narrow passageway on the outside of the ankle, and any issues within or near this area can lead to pain and discomfort in the ankle and foot.
It’s All About the Nerves
The pain and discomfort associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome are related to compression of the tibial nerve that runs through the tarsal tunnel. This condition is even called tibial nerve dysfunction at times. When this nerve has undue pressure on it, it wreaks havoc in the area and brings about a variety of problems in the ankles and feet.
It Has Multiple Symptoms
Not all people who are diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome have the same experience with it. Some may have pain, tingling, and a burning sensation in their toes and on the bottom of their foot. Others may feel numbness, pins and needles sensations, and weakness in the foot muscles.
It Should Be Addressed Promptly
If you discover that you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, you should aim to treat it right away. When the condition is caught early on, it is easy to treat with at-home remedies. If you don’t treat it early on, however, you run the risk of experiencing permanent nerve damage and long-term pain in the ankle and foot.
It Can Impact Mobility
When you have pain in your foot, regardless of the cause, it impacts your mobility. Your range of motion is likely decreased because of the pain from the condition, and this leads to significantly decreased mobility. The more it hurts, the less you move, and the less you move, the more your range of motion and mobility suffer.
Chiropractic Can Help
When the spine is misaligned or is causing pain, sometimes the way you walk can change and bring about pain. It can also shift your bones, muscles, and other soft tissues, leading to compression in areas that shouldn’t have it, such as the tarsal tunnel.
Since chiropractic care impacts the nervous system, it’s a great approach to treating tarsal tunnel naturally. When the spine is aligned properly, all of the nerves that travel through the spine are able to function properly, sending signals to and from the brain successfully. The spine being aligned also allows the rest of the body to be aligned and balanced as it should, improving posture, gait, and overall health.
If you or a loved one is suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome, get in touch with the team at Vitality Precision Chiropractic in Rochester Hills. Dr. Thomas Madigan and Dr. Brendan Shanahan are nervous system experts and would love to help you discover all the ways chiropractic can help you.