Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome And Plantar Fasciitis

Often called TTS, tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve is compressed in the tarsal tunnel. The tunnel is located near the heel and allows the nerve to travel into the sole of the foot. Compression can be caused by fallen arches, swelling due to ankle injury or disease, or even bone spurs. In contrast, the most common cause of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Inflammation of the plantar fascia can cause severe stabbing pain. Often the pain is worse with the first steps taken in the morning. The pain may lessen throughout the day but return with long periods of standing or after sitting.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS surgery

Diagnosis by exam

Diagnosis of TTS or plantar fasciitis is generally made through physical examination and history of the discomfort. The location of pain with testing often determines which problem is present. TTS pain is more often described as burning or tingling and is felt with palpation just below the ankle bone. Commonly a tingling sensation extends to the heel, toes, or arch.

Plantar fasciitis pain is located more along the bottom of the foot, primarily near the heel. The pain is generally described as stabbing pain and occurs more after exercise than during the activity. Palpation of the heel and bottom of the foot to determine the area of tenderness will assist with diagnosis.

Conservative treatment options

Both TTS and plantar fasciitis have several treatment options before surgery is considered. Medication to treat the inflammation present with both diagnoses is the first step. Over-the-counter pain relievers are frequently the first treatment to be tried. The second step in treatment may be the use of a splint, brace or orthotic or possibly a steroid injection to the inflamed area.

Surgical interventions

When other more conservative treatments have failed, surgical intervention may be needed. This is generally not done unless pain persists through several months of other treatments and interferes with daily function. This is usually limited to an exceedingly small number of patients.

TTS release

Surgical treatment for TTS involves a small opening made behind the ankle and extending down to the arch of the foot. Through that opening, the surgeon divides and repositions the ligament so that there is no pressure on the tibial nerve.

Plantar fasciitis surgery

Surgical intervention for plantar fasciitis involves detaching the plantar fascia from the heel bone. The surgery can be done under local anesthesia and through a small incision in many cases. However, some may require a larger incision and general anesthesia. The open approach does require a longer recovery time with delayed full weight-bearing on the affected foot.

Is it time for surgery?

Patients with occupations requiring a high level of activity may struggle to work daily with TTS or plantar fasciitis. However, surgical intervention should still not be the first choice of treatment. Surgery for either condition also involves several weeks of recovery, often including no weight-bearing on the foot. After 6-12 months devoted to conservative treatment and with persistent pain, that’s the time to begin talking about surgery. For more information about treatment for foot pain, speak with an orthopedic specialist.

Recent Posts

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“The nurses were very nice and caring!”

“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”

“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”

“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”

“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”

“All staff were wonderful.”

“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”

“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”

“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”

“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”

“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”

“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”

“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”

“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”

CONTACT US TODAY!

Please contact us with any questions about your treatment at The Center for Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Recent Posts