Items filtered by date: October 2018

Similar to carpal tunnel there is a lower extremity analog known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. The posterior tibial nerve courses behind the calf, through a fibrous canal known as the tarsal tunnel, near the heel, behind the medial malleolus. If inflammation occurs in the tissues adjacent to the tarsal tunnel, swelling can cause compression of the nerve, resulting in pain. Any conditions that may affect ankle swelling may cause or contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome.  Such disorders may include, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure and kidney failure. There are biomechanical factors involved that may contribute, such as the ankle rolling inward, stressing the nerve in the tunnel.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain in the foot and ankle. Pain may be accompanied by tingling and burning that usually occurs to the bottom of the heel and may extend to the toes. The burning and tingling may be exacerbated or elicited with certain shoe gear, standing, or walking. Pain is usually relieved by rest, but as the condition worsens, pain may also be present even with rest.

When examining your foot, the health care provider may tap over the area of compression, eliciting possible tingling in the heel, arch, or toes. Your podiatrist may also order nerve conduction studies to determine the source or magnitude of the injury. Treatment for tarsal tunnel syndrome may include corticosteroid injections into the area for pain relief. Other treatments include strapping the foot and the use of orthotics to better position the foot to relieve pressure to the nerve. If pain persists even with treatment, surgical decompression may be necessary. Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about tarsal tunnel syndrome.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office

Verrucae, also known as plantar warts, are common, benign, skin lesions that are caused by Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. They may commonly appear on the bottom of feet or around the toes. Plantar warts vary in size and shape but most commonly appear like a cauliflower growth with minute black dots. Warts may appear in a solitary fashion or in clusters.  Callused skin may grow over the warts, intensifying pain for lesions on weightbearing surfaces. These lesions are especially painful when squeezed.

The virus responsible for verrucae is thought to thrive in damp, moist settings. People may contract verrucae by walking barefoot in communal areas with warm, moist environments such as gym showers, changing rooms, or swimming pools.  There are different strains of the virus and some may develop at varying speeds.  Warts may resolve or appear spontaneously, recurring at the same or different areas. A contributing factor to the appearance of verrucae is the state of a person’s immune system.

There are many treatments for plantar warts, consult your podiatrist to inquire about the best options for you.

Treatment may include:

• Regular trimming of the callus overlying the lesion and then applying an acid-based treatment, such as salicylic acid.
• Cryotherapy- freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen
• Needling- the extent of the verruca is pierced with a needle in an attempt to stimulate the body’s immune system
• Excisional surgery
• Laser surgery

Call your podiatrist today if you have questions or concerns about your plantar wart.

Please visit our website for more information or call 614-885-3338 (FEET) to schedule an appointment with us at our Columbus or Gahanna office