Items filtered by date: September 2022

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space that lies inside the ankle, next to the ankle bones. The tunnel is covered by a thick ligament that protects the arteries, veins, tendons, and nerves in the tunnel. The posterior tibial nerve within the tunnel is the focus of tarsal tunnel syndrome because it is the compression or squeezing of this nerve that produces symptoms along the path of the nerve running from the inside of the ankle into the foot. This condition is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space. Those with flat feet, varicose veins, ankle sprains, or arthritis are more at risk for developing tarsal tunnel syndrome since these things can compress the nerve. When one has this syndrome, they might experience tingling or burning sensations, numbness, and/or pain on the inside of the ankle or on the bottom of the foot. These symptoms can also extend to the heel, arch, toes, and even calf. They are often brought on by overuse of the foot. It is important to seek treatment before permanent nerve damage results. If you think you may have tarsal tunnel syndrome or pain that resembles these symptoms, see a podiatrist as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment that is right for you.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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 Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Heel spurs are small, bony growths on the heel of the foot. A spur may grow when the plantar fascia ligament that connects the heel bones to the toe bones become inflamed. The inflammation from a heel spur might cause discomfort or not. If it does hurt, there will be pain or tenderness over the weight-bearing part of the bottom of the heel. A bump can sometimes be felt when the area is touched. A spur will not be treated unless other conditions caused by inflammation causing the pain are non-existent. For example, plantar fasciitis may be the main source of pain, and that condition will be treated and the bone spur left alone. If you have a bone spur and pain, see a podiatrist to find out the source of pain so you can receive appropriate treatment options.

Heel spurs can be incredibly painful and sometimes may make you unable to participate in physical activities. To get medical care for your heel spurs, contact one of our podiatrists from Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors will do everything possible to treat your condition.

Heels Spurs

Heel spurs are formed by calcium deposits on the back of the foot where the heel is. This can also be caused by small fragments of bone breaking off one section of the foot, attaching onto the back of the foot. Heel spurs can also be bone growth on the back of the foot and may grow in the direction of the arch of the foot.

Older individuals usually suffer from heel spurs and pain sometimes intensifies with age. One of the main condition's spurs are related to is plantar fasciitis.

Pain

The pain associated with spurs is often because of weight placed on the feet. When someone is walking, their entire weight is concentrated on the feet. Bone spurs then have the tendency to affect other bones and tissues around the foot. As the pain continues, the feet will become tender and sensitive over time.

Treatments

There are many ways to treat heel spurs. If one is suffering from heel spurs in conjunction with pain, there are several methods for healing. Medication, surgery, and herbal care are some options.

If you have any questions feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the latest in diagnostic and treatment technology to meet your needs.

A bunion, known as hallux valgus, is a bony bump that occurs on the joint of the big toe. It forms from bones in the top part of the foot moving out of place, which causes the tip of the big toe to be pulled toward the smaller toes. It also forces the joint in the big toe to be stuck. Women and elderly people are most apt to suffer with bunions. These rarely occur in children, but sometimes babies are born with bunions, or they form in later childhood. The skin above the bunion might be sore and red. Bunions can form by wearing narrow or tight shoes, from one’s foot shape, way of walking, a medical condition, or a foot deformity. Calluses might develop where the big and 2nd toe touch, or on the ball of the foot. Bunion pads, well-fitted shoes, or toe spacers might help with bunion discomfort, and if not, bunion surgery (a bunionectomy) might be an option. Untreated bunions may get worse over time, and it might be difficult to walk or wear regular shoes without pain. If you have a bunion and it hurts, contact a podiatrist for the best treatment option for you.

If you are suffering from bunions, contact one of our podiatrists of Mercer Ocean Podiatry. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is a Bunion?

A bunion is formed of swollen tissue or an enlargement of boney growth, usually located at the base joint of the toe that connects to the foot. The swelling occurs due to the bones in the big toe shifting inward, which impacts the other toes of the foot. This causes the area around the base of the big toe to become inflamed and painful.

Why Do Bunions Form?

Genetics – Susceptibility to bunions are often hereditary

Stress on the feet – Poorly fitted and uncomfortable footwear that places stress on feet, such as heels, can worsen existing bunions

How Are Bunions Diagnosed?

Doctors often perform two tests – blood tests and x-rays – when trying to diagnose bunions, especially in the early stages of development. Blood tests help determine if the foot pain is being caused by something else, such as arthritis, while x-rays provide a clear picture of your bone structure to your doctor.

How Are Bunions Treated?

• Refrain from wearing heels or similar shoes that cause discomfort
• Select wider shoes that can provide more comfort and reduce pain
• Anti-inflammatory and pain management drugs
• Orthotics or foot inserts
• Surgery

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

There are several reasons why you may experience soreness in your ankles after a cardio workout. For instance, your footwear may not fit properly. When purchasing exercise footwear, it is wise to shop after a workout or at the end of the day to ensure a comfortable fit after your feet have expanded from heat or exercise. It is also important to try on shoes with the same socks you’ll wear while exercising. Check to make sure that your toes have room to move around and that your heel does not slip out while you are walking. If footwear is not the culprit, it may be Achilles tendinitis. This large tendon connects your heel with your calf muscles and can sometimes suffer from overuse injuries due to high-intensity cardio exercise. Pain from Achilles tendinitis can be felt at the back of the heel and ankle. Or, you may have a compressed posterior tibial nerve that passes through the tarsal tunnel, resulting in tarsal tunnel syndrome. This condition may develop after a sprained ankle, or if you excessively roll your feet inward when you walk or run, known as overpronation. Check with your podiatrist who can determine the cause of your ankle pain after a cardio workout and treat it accordingly.

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 Mercer Ocean Podiatry. 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 Hamilton, Toms River, and Plainsboro Township, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.