Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a painful foot condition caused by compression of the tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is the canal through which all the foot’s nerves, arteries and tendons that provide movement and flexibility reside. It is located between the medial malleolus (the bump on the inside of the ankle bone) and the flexor retinaculum (a band of ligaments that stretches across the foot). The tibial nerve resides in the tarsal tunnel and provides sensation to the bottom of the foot.

 

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very painful, with symptoms in the foot that include a shooting pain, numbness or a tingling or burning sensation. The syndrome can be caused by injury, disease or even the natural shaping of the foot. The most common causes of tibial nerve compression are flat feet or fallen arches, swelling caused by an ankle sprain, swelling caused by arthritis or diabetes and an enlarged, abnormal foot structure. Examples of abnormal structures include varicose veins, ganglion cysts, swollen tendons or bone spurs. Tarsal tunnel syndrome tends to be most common in athletes or individuals who do a log of standing. These people tend to put an excessive amount of stress on the tarsal tunnel area, leading to compression.

 

If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome, our office can help. We offer both non-invasive and surgical treatment for a variety of foot conditions. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler by calling (907) 260-3668. For more information, visit www.HCotler.com. 

Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot funguses in America. It is a very contagious condition that is often spread through walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces, it is mostly found in gym locker rooms. Some people are more likely than others to get athlete’s foot and there is really no explanation for this. It can be compared to the flu in that you can be a carrier of the fungus but not actually have symptoms. In these situations, the carrier can easily spread the fungus with no knowledge at all.

 

Traditionally, if you have athlete’s foot, the skin between your toes will burn and itch, the skin may peel and crack as well. There are three different types of athlete’s foot:

1. Toe-web infection – usually occurring between the fourth and fifth toes, the skin in this area will become scaly; it will also peel and crack.
2. Moccasin- type infection – your feet will become sore and the skin on the bottom of your foot can become thick and crack. In bad cases, the fungus will spread to the toenails, causing them to thicken, crumble or even fall out.
3. Vesicular type infection –a sudden outburst of fluid-filled blisters will break out under the skin. The blisters can appear anywhere on the feet. If it goes untreated, it can cause a bacterial infection.

Athlete’s foot is very treatable. Dr. Harry Cotler recommends treating the condition when you first see symptoms because the body can become vulnerable to other bacterial infections when large cracks occur in the skin. If you are experiencing any signs of athlete’s foot, schedule an appointment with Dr. Cotler today for effective treatment options. 

Common Foot Disorders

Did you know that there are a quarter of all the body bones just in your feet? There are 52 bones, 66 joints, 214 ligaments and 38 muscles in both of your feet alone. When you compare that to the rest of your body, it’s kind of astounding. Think about how all of those parts work together to just take one step, in fact, every time your heel lifts off the ground it forces the toes to carry one half of your body weight.

The Institute for Preventative Foot Health did a study that showed nearly 80 percent of people ages 21 and older have had at least one foot related problem in their life. The study was conducted in 2012 and surveyed 1,456 people. Here are the top-5 biggest foot problems of the participants:

1. Athlete’s foot – nearly 25% of the people in the study said they have experienced athlete’s foot at least once in their life
2. chy feet – 26% of those surveyed said they have trouble with sore, achy feet. This usually occurs with age and is treatable through Podiatry
3. Calluses – 27% reported issues with calluses. Calluses occur on the sole of the feet and is usually caused by friction
4. Blisters – 28% noted problems with blisters. Blisters also form from friction but often occur more frequently and are more like a wound
5. Ankle sprain – 31% of participants reported problems with sprained ankles. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reported that 25,000 Americans sprain an ankle every day

If you would like to read more about common foot problems, you can visit our website here. We have provided extensive information about common foot problems that are treated at Affiliated Ankle and Foot Care with Dr. Harry Cotler in Soldotna, AK.

Work-Related Foot Problems

When it comes to work-related foot injuries, it doesn’t matter what line of work you’re in, you are at risk of foot injuries. While most foot injuries occur off the job, there are a number of work-related factors that can lead to foot problems, especially in jobs that require long periods of standing.

 

The main thing to remember when you’re thinking about your foot health while working is choosing the right footwear. Poor footwear that does not fit properly heavily contributes to foot disorders. You should look for the following in a pair of work shoes:

• Flexibility – footwear should stretch and grow with your feet
• Comfort fit – sometimes feet are different sizes so make sure to measure both feet when shopping
• Timing – buy your new shoes in the late-afternoon when feet are swollen to their maximum size
• Shock-absorbing – if the shoes you’re looking at don’t have shock-absorbing qualities, buy insoles. Your feet will thank you if you’re walking around a lot as part of your job.

Next time you have an appointment with Dr. Harry Cotler, tell him about your job and ask what types of shoes you should wear, he’s happy to help! We treat all types of foot pain, so if you aren’t sure what you have just call for an appointment. The most work-related pain we treat is:

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Arch disorders
• Heel spurs
• Corns and callouses
• Ingrown toenails