Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a canal near the heel and into the sole of the foot. When the posterior tibial nerve is compressed, symptoms such as foot and ankle pain, burning, tingling, and numbness can arise. This condition is typically treated through conservative methods. These include resting and icing the affected foot, taking over-the-counter pain medications, wearing orthotics, immobilizing the foot, physical therapy, and steroid injections. In severe cases where conservative treatments have failed, decompression surgery may be needed. To learn more about 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 Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Broken toes, while painful, are typically not serious and have a good prognosis, with most injuries healing within four to six weeks. In addition to pain, symptoms of a broken toe include swelling, bruising, and difficulty walking on the affected toe. Severe breaks, which may involve the bone sticking out at an angle, a visible deformity of the toe, or the bone breaking through the skin, should be treated by a medical professional immediately. A mild injury can be treated at home while you wait to see your podiatrist. If you suspect your toe may be broken, rest and elevate the affected foot on cushions, apply ice wrapped in a towel to the toe, and take over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and swelling. If symptoms do not improve within a few days, it is strongly suggested that you see a podiatrist as soon as possible.

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 Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. 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 office located in Brunswick, ME . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

After standing or walking for a significant amount of time, areas of the feet’s skin begin to thicken as a protective measure that allows them to withstand pressure. These thicker areas of skin form corns or calluses, which specifically protect the skin when it rubs against the ground, a shoe, or a bone. Footwear that doesn’t fit correctly, a bone deformity, or a poor walking style can lead to calluses, which are larger hardened areas of skin that don’t have a regular shape. Corns, on the other hand, tend to be much smaller and have a central core. There are 5 types of corns that are likely to form. These include hard corns, seed corns, vascular corns, fibrous corns, and soft corns. Each of these corns can have a different effect on the feet. If corns or calluses are pestering your feet, it is a good idea to consult a podiatrist who can help uncover the reasons behind them and suggest treatment options.

Corns can make walking very painful and should be treated immediately. If you have questions regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Foot & Ankle Associates of Maine. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? And How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns are thickened areas on the skin that can become painful. They are caused by excessive pressure and friction on the skin. Corns press into the deeper layers of the skin and are usually round in shape.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as:

• Wearing properly fitting shoes that have been measured by a professional
• Wearing shoes that are not sharply pointed or have high heels
• Wearing only shoes that offer support

Treating Corns

Although most corns slowly disappear when the friction or pressure stops, this isn’t always the case. Consult with your podiatrist to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

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