Tarsal tunnel syndrome is an unusual form of peripheral neuropathy caused by pressure on the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel near the ankle. This compression can lead to numbness, burning, tingling, and pain in the ankle, bottom of the foot, and toes. A podiatrist can perform a detailed examination and order diagnostic tests, which record electrical activity in muscles and nerves, to confirm the condition. Treatment may include custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory therapy, or surgical release of the nerve, in severe cases. If you have persistent foot or ankle pain with tingling or numbness, it is suggested that you promptly schedule an appointment with a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Sharmila Das-Wattley, DPM of Home Wound Healing. 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 contact our office located in Florida . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

For healthcare professionals who spend long hours on their feet, wearing the right shoes is essential for comfort and safety. Proper footwear provides traction to prevent slips and falls, along with cushioning and support to reduce fatigue and joint strain. Wearing the wrong shoes can lead to plantar fasciitis, bunions, calluses, or back and knee pain, over time. Investing in well-fitted, supportive shoes helps maintain proper posture and overall wellness during long shifts. A podiatrist can assess your feet, recommend the best shoe styles, and provide custom orthotics for additional support. If you have foot pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on the correct shoes to wear for your demanding workday. 

While working on the feet, it is important to take the proper care of them. For more information about working on your feet, contact Sharmila Das-Wattley, DPM from Home Wound Healing. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Working on Your Feet

Standing on your feet for long periods of time can cause stress and pain in your feet. Your whole body may experience change in terms of posture, back pain, bunions, callouses and or plantar warts. There are ways to avoid these conditions with proper foot care, smart choices and correct posture.

Positive Changes

Negative heeled shoe – Choosing this shoe type places the heel slightly lower than the ball of the foot. These are great for overall foot health. Find shoes that fit you correctly.

Go barefoot – Our feet were not designed to be enclosed for all hours of the day. Try to periodically expose your feet to air.

Eliminate Pain

Foot Exercises – Performing simple exercises, incorporating yoga and doing stretches are beneficial. This will allow increased blood flow to the area and muscles of the foot.

Achilles tendon – Stretching the foot out flat on the floor will relax the calf muscles and tendon. These exercises can be performed almost anywhere. Make sure you add these exercises to your daily regimen. 

With a little bit of this information and knowing more about foot health, you will notice changes. Foot stretches and proper footwear will help with pain and prevent further issues.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Florida . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet in children occur when the arches of the feet do not develop as expected, causing the entire foot to touch the ground. Some children outgrow flat feet as their muscles and bones strengthen, while others may develop persistent issues. Causes include having a tight Achilles tendon, tarsal coalition where foot bones fuse, and rigid flat feet that do not change with movement. A podiatrist can assess foot structure, recommend stretching exercises, orthotics, or treatment to improve comfort and prevent future problems. If your child has pain or difficulty walking from having flat feet, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment relief and treatment solutions.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Sharmila Das-Wattley, DPM from Home Wound Healing. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

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

Hammertoe is a common foot deformity where one or more toes bend downward at the middle joint, causing a curled or claw-like appearance. This condition is often caused by a muscle imbalance,  wearing tight footwear, injury, or arthritis. Symptoms include pain, swelling, redness, corns or calluses on the affected toe or on the top of the toe. Causes include friction with shoes, and difficulty walking or wearing certain shoes comfortably. The affected toe may feel stiff or sore, and worsen over time, if left untreated. A podiatrist can diagnose hammertoe through a physical examination and imaging, if necessary. Treatment options vary depending on severity, and may include changing footwear, custom orthotics, or, in advanced cases, surgery to correct the deformity. Early intervention can prevent progression and improve comfort. If you notice toe deformities or experience foot pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist to receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Hammertoe

Hammertoes can be a painful condition to live with. For more information, contact Sharmila Das-Wattley, DPM from Home Wound Healing. Our doctor will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Hammertoe is a foot deformity that affects the joints of the second, third, fourth, or fifth toes of your feet. It is a painful foot condition in which these toes curl and arch up, which can often lead to pain when wearing footwear.

Symptoms

• Pain in the affected toes
• Development of corns or calluses due to friction
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Contracture of the toes

Causes

Genetics – People who are genetically predisposed to hammertoe are often more susceptible

Arthritis – Because arthritis affects the joints in your toes, further deformities stemming from arthritis can occur

Trauma – Direct trauma to the toes could potentially lead to hammertoe

Ill-fitting shoes – Undue pressure on the front of the toes from ill-fitting shoes can potentially lead to the development of hammertoe

Treatment

Orthotics – Custom made inserts can be used to help relieve pressure placed on the toes and therefore relieve some of the pain associated with it

Medications – Oral medications such as anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs could be used to treat the pain and inflammation hammertoes causes. Injections of corticosteroids are also sometimes used

Surgery – In more severe cases where the hammertoes have become more rigid, foot surgery is a potential option

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