Pain-Free Feet: Overcoming Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome with Physiotherapy Part 1
Good day or Good night, whichever time you are reading this. You know, a good day is also classified as a day without pain and discomfort especially when this discomfort or pain has once prevented you from carrying out your daily activities with ease and without squeezing your face.
SO! in this part 1 of the post I would be introducing you to :
—Tarsal tunnel syndrome
—Causes of Tarsal tunnel syndrome
—Physiotherapy Evaluation for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
In the Part 2, we would take a look at :
Physiotherapy Treatment Options for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
— Stretching Exercises
— functional rehabilitation
— Ultrasound therapy
Manual Therapy Techniques for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Exercises to Relieve and Prevent Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Braces and Other Supportive Devices for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Lets dive in
When it comes to ailments that can cause pain, few are as frustrating as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The lower leg as we see it via invasive and noninvasive mechanism is a complex network of muscles and nerves, so when something goes wrong, it can send you running for the hills!
But that doesn't ever mean you have to settle for a life of chronic pain and discomfort right. In fact, physiotherapy is an effective way to manage your tarsal tunnel syndrome – if you use the right treatment options.
That's siad I would be sharing seven physiotherapy treatment options that work wonders when it comes to relieving tarsal tunnel syndrome pain.
Think of me like your very own tarsal tunnel syndrome whisperer and secret revealer: I'll provide you with most of everything you might need in order to get back on your feet again. From proper diagnosis and initial treatment plans, to long-term management strategies – I would most likely cover all the bases with my expertise on physiotherapy and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Lets go
Understanding Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome and Its Causes
Ever feel like you've got bunches of pins and needles playing and running down your leg? If so, you may be dealing with tarsal tunnel syndrome. But don't worry – physiotherapy can help! Let's start with the basics
What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
In short it is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome which I made a post on last week, the only difference is that this time unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, it's caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it runs through the tarsal tunnel at the back of your foot. This compression can result in burning pain and tingling sensations that make even the simplest tasks seem impossible just like carpal tunnel syndrome, you might want to read my post on that if you haven't.
The causes can vary from foot or ankle injuries to changes in anatomy resulting from arthritis. It's also important to note that there are different forms of this condition – some more mild/severe than others. The only way to be sure is to get yourself properly assessed by a physiotherapist!
Physiotherapy Evaluation for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Once you’re diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome, your doctor will likely refer you to a physiotherapist. This is where the real work begins. Your physical therapist ot physiotherapist as the case may be will assess your needs and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your TTS based on your individual condition.
During the evaluation, they'll take a thorough medical history from you and examine how tarsal tunnel syndrome affects your lower leg, foot and ankle, including evaluating the functionality of muscles and joints in that region. Don't be surprised if the therapist has you do some simple movements so they can see how movement affects your pain or discomfort.
The evaluation allows your physiotherapist to design an effective treatment program for you and make adjustments as needed according to how you respond to various treatments. It's like or similar to when I go grocery shopping – if I dislike an item in my cart, I can always take it out! That kind of flexibility and fluidity makes it easier for us to find exactly what we need without wasting time and energy on ineffective treatments.
*So that will be all on the part 1 of this post, in part 2, we would be looking at the specific treatment options including exercises and orthotic devices that are employed in physiotherapy for the adequate and optimal management of Tarsal tunnel syndrome, I dont think you want to miss how to fully disarm the terrorist known as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, or do you? I would be breaking it down tomorrow in part 2.
It not over till its over, stay tuned and watch out!!!
References
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513273/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22200-tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
I have some effect from my right leg from my thigh descending down to my ankle. It normally pains me like a muscle pull. Please could it be tarsal tunnel syndrome?
@jude9 I am glad that you reached out to me via this post, so I would be asking some set of questions :
First, how old are you? (some conditions are very rare in younger populations)
When exactly did this pain start?
Is it the right or the left leg?
You said the pain comes from your thigh down to your leg right ?
How would you rate the pain on a scale of 0-10 (0 for no pain , 10 for really excruciating pain- a kind of pain that makes you shed tears, 1-3 for mild pain, 4-6 for moderate pain, 7-9 for severe pain)
Is the pain always there or it comes and goes?
Please answer these first sets of questions as accurately. The answers will determine the next set of questions I would ask
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