Tarsal tunnel syndrome

When Heel Pain is Not Plantar Fasciitis

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis.  Pain can come from the nerve as it enters into the heel and foot.  If you have burning, numbness, electrical sensation, stinging in your heel, arch and sometimes even your toes, you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome.  Very similar to carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands, it is treated differently from plantar fasciitis, which is inflammation of the band of tissue at the bottom of the heel. To make things worse, you can actually have both conditions exist at the same time.   If you have heel pain that has not gone away, make an appointment with Dr. Young.  Get a thorough evaluation and treatment plan that will get your lifestyle back.

Background information on Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:  Pressure can exist on the nerve where it passes along the inside of the ankle and foot.  Factors that cause this are repetitive stress with activities, flat feet, excess weight, injuries.  Also you may have a medical condition, like diabetes, alcoholism, chemotherapy, and varicose veins.  Symptoms include pain, numbness, burning and electrical sensations along the course of the nerve along the ankle and heel into the arch and toes. Worse with prolonged standing and walking, with some shoes, and exercise.  Treatments include anti-inflammatory medication, injections, padding and elastic ankle supports. 

Orthotics designed to control over pronation or rolling over of the foot and compressing the nerve.