Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by the compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel, located on the inside of the ankle. This compression can lead to various symptoms such as numbness, tingling, burning sensations, and sharp pain in the foot and ankle area. These symptoms often worsen with prolonged standing, walking, or activity. The causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome include trauma, repetitive stress, or conditions like diabetes that lead to nerve damage. Other contributing factors include swelling, cysts, or flat feet, which can narrow the tunnel and put pressure on the nerve. To diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome, podiatrists rely on a thorough physical examination and may use imaging tests like MRI scans or ultrasounds to assess the area. Nerve conduction studies may also be performed to measure the electrical activity of the nerves and confirm the diagnosis. If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Running can put significant stress on the feet, often leading to various toenail issues. Common toenail conditions caused from running include black toenails, ingrown toenails and fungal infections, in addition to thickened nails, and toenail trauma. Black toenails usually occur from repeated impact, causing blood to pool under the nail. Ingrown toenails develop when the edges of the toenail grow into the surrounding skin, often causing pain and infection. Fungal infections thrive in a warm, moist environment created by sweat, leading to discoloration and thickened nails. Toenail trauma can happen from wearing ill-fitting shoes or improper running form. Preventing these issues requires wearing properly fitting shoes with enough room for the toes to move freely. Regularly trimming toenails straight across can help avoid ingrown nails, while keeping feet dry and using antifungal treatments can reduce the risk of infections. Additionally, performing proper nail care and recovery time after long runs can help prevent toenail damage. If you have developed toe pain from running, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

All runners should take extra precaution when trying to avoid injury. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

There are a lot of mistakes a runner can make prior to a workout that can induce injury. A lot of athletes tend to overstretch before running, instead of saving those workouts for a post-run routine. Deep lunges and hand-to-toe hamstring pulls should be performed after a workout instead of during a warmup. Another common mistake is jumping into an intense routine before your body is physically prepared for it. You should try to ease your way into long-distance running instead of forcing yourself to rush into it.

More Tips for Preventing Injury

• Incorporate Strength Training into Workouts - This will help improve the body’s overall athleticism
• Improve and Maintain Your Flexibility – Stretching everyday will help improve overall performance
• “Warm Up” Before Running and “Cool Down” Afterward – A warm up of 5-10 minutes helps get rid of lactic acid in the muscles and prevents delayed muscle soreness
• Cross-Training is Crucial
• Wear Proper Running Shoes
• Have a Formal Gait Analysis – Poor biomechanics can easily cause injury

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Hiking with a broken toe is generally not advisable, as it can make the injury worse and prolong recovery. The decision to hike depends on the severity of the break and the level of pain experienced. If the break is minor and the pain is manageable, it may be possible to engage in light walking or short hikes, but only with proper protection such as a stiff-soled shoe or a splint. However, if the pain is severe, the fracture is more significant, or the toe is misaligned, attempting to hike can cause further damage and increase swelling or bruising. For a stable recovery, it is important to limit weight-bearing activities. If hiking is essential, it is critical to assess the injury carefully. If you have broken your toe, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment solutions, and guide you on successful hiking with this type of injury, if warranted.

A broken toe can be very painful and lead to complications if not properly fixed. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Dr. Jeffrey J. Betman & Associates . Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What to Know About a Broken Toe

Although most people try to avoid foot trauma such as banging, stubbing, or dropping heavy objects on their feet, the unfortunate fact is that it is a common occurrence. Given the fact that toes are positioned in front of the feet, they typically sustain the brunt of such trauma. When trauma occurs to a toe, the result can be a painful break (fracture).

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bruising on the skin and toenail
• The inability to move the toe
• Toe appears crooked or disfigured
• Tingling or numbness in the toe

Generally, it is best to stay off of the injured toe with the affected foot elevated.

Severe toe fractures may be treated with a splint, cast, and in some cases, minor surgery. Due to its position and the pressure it endures with daily activity, future complications can occur if the big toe is not properly treated.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Northwest Chicago, Southwest Chicago, and Wicker Park, Chicago, IL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.