Items filtered by date: May 2021

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder in which the posterior tibial nerve, located near the heel of the foot, is compressed. This is usually caused by participating in repetitive activities, such as running or jumping, that put stress on the nerve and surrounding areas.  However, it can also be the result of a trauma, having flat feet, or being overweight. Tarsal tunnel syndrome causes foot and ankle pain, burning, tingling, and numbness. The pain usually worsens while walking and can improve with rest. There are several treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome, including resting and icing the affected leg, taking oral pain medications, injecting steroids into the area, immobilizing the leg, wearing an orthotic, or physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to decompress the posterior tibial nerve. If you are experiencing the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. 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 Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

People who work all day on their feet can experience throbbing, painful feet at the end of a shift. Along with putting your feet up during work breaks and standing on a cushioned mat, a few simple exercises after hours may help to alleviate the swelling and ease pain. Take your shoes and socks off and sit in a chair. Put a tennis ball on the floor and, using the bottom of your foot, press down and roll it around. Do this for a few minutes and then switch feet. For pain specifically on the bottom of the foot, stand up and lift your leg behind you. Place your toes down behind you and lightly push, feeling the stretch on the bottom of your foot. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then repeat on the other foot. To stretch your ankles, lay on your back and point your toes up towards the ceiling. Alternately point and flex your toes 10 times, and then gently roll your ankles in circles. You can schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can examine your feet and offer additional ways to support and protect your feet, and relieve any heel or ankle pain you may be experiencing.

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

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

An ankle sprain is a common form of foot pain. Many people have endured ankle sprains at some point in their lives, and this type of injury can cause severe pain and discomfort. An ankle sprain is the result of ligaments that have been overstretched, and it may be difficult to walk and complete daily activities. It can happen when the ankle rolls outward, and the foot turns inward. People who enjoy running, and participating in jumping activities may be prone to ankle sprains. Some of the symptoms that are associated with this ailment can include immediate swelling, bruising, and the affected area is often tender. After a proper diagnosis is made, which generally involves having an X-ray taken, the correct treatment can begin. Mild relief may be found when the foot is wrapped in an elastic bandage, and this is helpful in providing adequate support as the healing process occurs. If you have sprained your ankle, please consult with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with one of our podiatrists from Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

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

Running is a sport that can be great exercise and improve your overall physical fitness, but unfortunately, runners can be prone to foot and ankle injuries. Between 9% and 32% of running injuries affect the lower legs, 4-16% of running injuries affect the ankles, and 5-39% of running injuries affect the feet. Some of the most common lower limb injuries among people who run are Achilles tendonitis, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and ankle sprains. Furthermore, runners may be prone to ingrown toenails, anterior compartment syndrome, and calf strain. If you are a runner, consult with a podiatrist who can advise you on how to prevent running injuries. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

How to Prevent Running Injuries

Many common running injuries are caused by overuse and overtraining. When the back of the kneecap starts wearing out and starts causing pain in your knee, this is commonly referred to as runner’s knee. Runner’s knee is a decrease in strength in your quadriceps and can occur if you’re not wearing properly fitted or supporting shoes. To prevent runner’s knee, focusing on hip strengthening is a good idea, as well as strengthening your quads to keep the kneecaps aligned.

What Are Some Causes of Running Injuries?
- One cause of a common running injury is called iliotibial band syndrome.
- Plantar fasciitis is also another common injury.
- Stress fractures can occur from overtraining, lack of calcium, or even your running style.

Best Ways to Prevent Running Injuries
- Wear footwear that fits properly and suits your running needs.
- Running shoes are the only protective gear that runners have to safeguard them from injury.
- Make a training schedule. Adding strengthening exercises as well as regular stretching can help keep you strong and limber and can lessen the possibility of injuries.
- Stretching keeps muscles limber; this will help you gain better flexibility.

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