How can you tell the difference between tarsal tunnel and plantar fasciitis?

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.

Can plantar fasciitis cause tarsal tunnel?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a more severe and rare condition but shares common symptoms with plantar fasciitis. The condition is caused by damage or compression to the posterior tibial nerve and the adjoining branches. The tibial nerve branches from the sciatic nerve run down the leg to the ankle and foot.

Can you have tarsal tunnel and plantar fasciitis at the same time?

While Tarsal Tunnel syndrome isn't considered a cause of plantar fasciitis (or vice versa), both conditions have similar causes (as mentioned above) and can develop simultaneously. It's also possible for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome to make a person more susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis.

What can be mistaken for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs in the wrist. Both disorders arise from the compression of a nerve in a confined space.

Where does tarsal tunnel hurt?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) occurs when you have tibial nerve damage. Your tibial nerve runs through your tarsal tunnel, a passage of bones and ligaments in your ankle. TTS symptoms may include pain, burning or tingling in the bottom of your feet and toes. Often, nonsurgical treatment decreases symptoms.

How do I know if I have plantar fasciitis or tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Is walking good for tarsal tunnel?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can make it hard to walk or engage in other physical activities. These exercises focus on gentle movements to reduce irritation and building strength and flexibility in the ankle. Calf stretches can help reduce tightness in the muscles around the ankle, relieving stress and swelling.

What can mimic plantar fasciitis?

These include sciatica, tarsal tunnel syndrome, entrapment of the lateral plantar nerve, rupture of the plantar fascia, calcaneal stress fracture and calcaneal apophysitis (Sever's disease).

How do you test for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

To diagnose tarsal tunnel syndrome, a doctor manipulates the affected foot during a physical examination. For example, tapping the injured or compressed area just below the ankle bone often causes tingling (referred to as the Tinel sign), which may extend to the heel, arch, or toes.

Are Compression Socks good for tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Compression of the foot and leg is reported to be highly beneficial in the treatment of TTS. There is a reduced likelihood of tibial nerve inflammation when you wear arch support compression socks, for example, since circulation is enhanced and your arch receives more support.

Does tarsal tunnel go away on its own?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) most commonly starts out as an overuse injury, but it can be caused by a direct trauma or injury. If the condition is left untreated, the end result can be permanent nerve damage. When this condition is caught early, it can be self-treated.

Can tarsal tunnel cause heel pain?

Tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS) is one cause of heel pain that can be treated at home with conservative methods. However, if you wait too long it may become worse and you may end up needing surgery. TTS occurs when the tibial nerve branches on the bottom of the foot get pinched.

Does tarsal tunnel get worse at night?

Tarsal tunnel symptoms may be worse in the morning upon waking, but typically increase throughout the day, are typically present at rest and sometimes are present at night and interfere with sleep.

How is tarsal tunnel treated?

Nonsurgical treatment for TTS includes anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections into the tarsal tunnel to relieve pressure and swelling. Braces, splints or other orthotic devices may help reduce pressure on the foot and limit movement that could cause compression on the nerve.

Do cortisone shots help tarsal tunnel?

A cortisone injection may give temporary relief of symptoms. The cortisone is injected into the tarsal tunnel so that it bathes the nerve and other tissues. This may decrease the inflammation and swelling of the tissues in the tarsal tunnel and reduce the irritation on the nerve.

Can tarsal tunnel syndrome affect both feet?

Do your feet feel like they have fallen asleep? If you answer yes to either or both of these questions, you may have a condition known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. This syndrome can occur in one foot or both feet and is similar to the common carpel tunnel syndrome in the hand.

Can hardly walk with plantar fasciitis?

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful condition that affects the connective tissue that attaches to the base of your heel and foot. Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis include: Heel pain, arch pain, morning pain, Achilles tendon tenderness or pain, and difficulty walking.

Do orthotics help tarsal tunnel syndrome?

The job of orthotics, made especially for your feet, is to correct their position. This is essential to the proper distribution of the body's weight across your foundation, which directly impacts its health. In the case of tarsal tunnel syndrome, an orthotic can reduce the pressure on the tibial nerve.

What happens if tarsal tunnel is left untreated?

If tarsal tunnel syndrome is left untreated, it can result in permanent and irreversible nerve damage. Because this nerve damage affects your foot, it could be painful or difficult to walk or resume normal activities.

What causes sudden onset of tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Sometimes the symptoms of the syndrome appear suddenly. Often they are brought on or aggravated by overuse of the foot, such as in prolonged standing, walking, exercising, or beginning a new exercise program. It is very important to seek early treatment if any of the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome occur.

Can tarsal tunnel cause leg pain?

You may feel tingling, numbness and pain in your foot. This pain may also radiate through your ankle and up into your leg. Pain associated with tarsal tunnel may feel dull and nagging, or it may seem to shoot through your foot and ankle like an electrical current.

Is it nerve pain or plantar fasciitis?

In most cases, the source of pain is most likely plantar fasciitis. However, another potential source of pain is the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, also known as Baxter's nerve. Often, Baxter's nerve neuropathy may co-exist with plantar fasciitis.

Does plantar fasciitis hurt to touch?

Plantar fasciitis symptoms

However, commonly, one spot is found as the main source of pain. This is often about 4 cm forward from your heel and may be tender to touch. The pain is often worst when you take your first steps on getting up in the morning, or after long-term rest where no weight is placed on your foot.

Will an xray show plantar fasciitis?

An x-ray is generally not indicated in making the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. However, X-rays are frequently done since they are simple and help in the overall evaluation of the foot.