The feet, ankles, and legs are a complicated matter that can easily become injured or strained from spending too much time on one's feet. One of the lesser-known problems a person can develop is tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can cause a tingling numbness in the extremities. If your feet regularly go numb, read on to see if your symptoms match up with tarsal tunnel syndrome and to learn what to do about it.

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, like its name, bears a very strong similarity to the more common carpal tunnel syndrome, which you've probably heard of. However, tarsal tunnel syndrome only occurs in the ankles and feet, while carpal tunnel syndrome is restricted to the wrists and hands.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the name of a disorder in which the tibial nerve is pinched because the tarsal tunnel has become too narrow or constricted around it. When this nerve becomes pinched, it can cause a variety of problems, and tends to be made worse by standing for long periods of time, running, or walking.

Symptoms

The biggest and most common symptom of tarsal tunnel syndrome is numbness and tingling in the feet and ankles. However, you can also develop muscle weakness and pain in the foot, particularly in the arch. If you have a problem with your gait, such as over-pronation, it might become worse while you're under the influence of this syndrome due to you attempting to overcompensate for the numbness and pain you're experiencing while walking.

Treatment

Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome is dependent upon your symptoms and how bad the pinching of the nerve is. After diagnosis, your doctor will most likely want you to try shoe insoles that will help to support your feet and take the pressure off of the tarsal tunnel. They may also recommend gentle exercises to help open the tunnel, weight loss to remove pressure from the tunnel, and physical therapy to improve your gait.

If none of these steps work, surgery may be necessary. Surgery can manually expand the tarsal tunnel, allowing the nerve to have the space it needs without being pinched. However, this is usually a last resort, so don't fret.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause a lot of pain and numbness, but with treatment, you can see a major improvement in your symptoms. Talk to a doctor about the numbness, pain, or muscle weakness you're experiencing to start down the road of seeking relief.