January 2019

Most people have heard of carpal tunnel syndrome, but not many are familiar with tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is the ankle’s equivalent to carpal tunnel syndrome. Both syndromes involve the trapping of a nerve. When tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs, the nerve stemming from the ankle to the foot becomes entrapped in a tunnel of bones and ligaments. This creates a pressure that sends sharp burning pain into the sole of the foot. Coupling over the counter pain medications, cushioning pads for arch support and abstaining from any activity that results in pain, can be used to lessen the pain initially. If the pain lasts for more than six weeks, then it is time to consult a podiatrist, so they can properly treat the condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

If you have ever experienced the condition known as cracked heels, you are most likely aware of the pain and discomfort it may cause. It may be a result of wearing shoes or sandals that are backless, standing for extended periods of time, or medical conditions that may consist of athlete’s foot or psoriasis. There are methods that can be implemented, which may achieve a desired level of comfort, which may include soaking the feet in warm water with specific essential oils. This may aid in moisturizing the skin and reducing the cracks or fissures that are present. Additionally, many patients find it beneficial to exfoliate the skin on their heels, and this may be achieved by utilizing a loofah or pumice stone. If you have severely cracked heels, it is recommended to consult with a podiatrist who can offer additional treatment and preventative methods.

If the skin on your feet starts to crack, you may want to see a podiatrist to find treatment. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Cracked Heels

It is important to moisturize your cracked heels in order to prevent pain, bleeding, and infection. The reason cracked heels form is because the skin on the foot is too dry to support the immense pressure placed on them. When the foot expands, the dry skin on the foot begins to split.

Ways to Help Heal Them

• Invest in a good foot cream
• Try Using Petroleum Jelly
• Ease up on Soaps
• Drink Plenty of Water

Ways to Prevent Cracked Heels

• Moisturize After Showering
• Skip a Shower
• Keep Shower Water Lukewarm
• Don’t Scrub Your Feet

If you are unsure how to proceed in treating cracked heels, seek guidance from a podiatrist. Your doctor will help you with any questions or information you may need. 

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

If you have developed a corn, it has most likely formed to protect the skin that may have been affected from wearing shoes that fit improperly. These types of shoes may cause the skin on one toe to rub together with the toe that is next to it. The body’s natural defense mechanism is to form a corn, which may help to shelter the skin of the affected toe. Moderate relief may be found in wearing a protective pad or cushion, which may aid in alleviating a portion of the pain and discomfort that is often associated with corns. If you experience any swelling, redness, or warmth surrounding the corn, it is suggested to speak to a podiatrist who can properly guide you in determining a correct diagnosis.

If you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists of Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Corns: What Are They? and How Do You Get Rid of Them?
Corns can be described as areas of the skin that have thickened to the point of becoming painful or irritating. They are often layers and layers of the skin that have become dry and rough, and are normally smaller than calluses.

Ways to Prevent Corns
There are many ways to get rid of painful corns such as wearing:

• Well-fitting socks
• Comfortable shoes that are not tight around your foot
• Shoes that offer support

Treating Corns
Treatment of corns involves removing the dead skin that has built up in the specific area of the foot. Consult with Our doctors to determine the best treatment option for your case of corns.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

The medical term that is referred to as flat feet is indicative of the arches in the foot appearing lower than what is classified as normal. Most babies are born with flat feet, and the arches will gradually develop as the aging process occurs. Some patients will have flat feet, or fallen arches throughout their lives, and this may be a result of improper development of the arches during childhood. Noticeable symptoms of this condition may be discomfort and pain in the area where the arch should be, in addition to possible heel pain. Patients whose arches have not properly developed may experience frequent falling or tripping or may notice considerable weakness or pain in the feet. Research has indicated that wearing shoes, which are more supportive may aid in living with flat feet, in addition to performing gentle stretches, which may improve overall flexibility of the foot. If you have this condition, it is important to consult with a podiatrist, who can properly guide you to implement correct treatment techniques.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Accent Podiatry Associates. Our doctors 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 offices located in Arlington and Mansfield, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.