Items filtered by date: July 2023

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an infrequent condition characterized by damage to the tibial nerve, one of the major nerves in the body. It is typically caused by compression within the tarsal tunnel, which is a narrow passage located inside the ankle. This compression, known as entrapment neuropathy, occurs due to the restricted space formed by bones and soft tissues in the area. The tibial nerve, along with certain blood vessels and tendons, passes through the tarsal tunnel. It is responsible for moving and feeling things in the lower leg and foot. However, the term tarsal tunnel syndrome is commonly used to describe any discomfort or pain along the tibial nerve. This syndrome can stem from various underlying causes, including injury to the foot or ankle, flat feet or fallen arches, and medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis. Individuals affected by tarsal tunnel syndrome may experience pain, a burning sensation, or tingling along the path of the tibial nerve. If you have foot or ankle pain, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. Our doctor 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 San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the ball of the foot, which is the area between the toes and the arch, is termed metatarsalgia. Anything that adds pressure to the ball of the foot, such as dancing, running, yoga, or wearing high heels, can contribute to metatarsalgia. In addition, having high arches, existing foot conditions, excess weight, and aging can also affect the ball of the foot. In some cases, resting the feet and taking pain medication can reduce the effects. But if pain continues, then other factors may need to be considered. For instance, nerve damage, tendonitis, and arthritis may be contributing to this painful condition. Structural factors, such as bunions and hammertoes, may be throwing off the alignment and affecting the ball of the foot. Irritation of the nerves beneath the third and fourth toes may cause Morton’s neuroma, which is sometimes described as having a small pebble in the shoe. This development is more common among women who have been wearing high heels for a prolonged period. If you have increased pain in the ball of the foot, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist for an examination and possible treatment options.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Kenneth Williams, DPM from Texas. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Experiencing pain in the back of the leg just above the heel may indicate an injury to the Achilles tendon. The pain may worsen with exercise and subside after resting. There may also be stiffness, swelling, and soreness in this area. A sudden pain in the back of the heel that feels like a kick in the ankle can be a sign of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon. If this occurs, it is important to seek immediate medical help. A podiatrist will view imaging tests which can diagnose the exact cause of the injury, and determine its severity. A rupture is a full or partial tear in this tendon, which connects the heel to the calf muscles and allows you to walk. Ruptures to the Achilles tendon are more common among men between the ages of 30 and 50. They are also common among women who are 60 years or older. With an Achilles tendon rupture, it may be difficult to walk normally or to stand on tiptoe. This type of injury may be the result of falling, stepping into a hole, sprinting, or sustaining a cut in the back of the heel. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are common for Achilles tendon injuries. For help in managing an Achilles tendon injury, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Kenneth Williams, DPM of Texas. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in San Antonio and Beeville, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.