‘Tunnel vision’ seems to have set-in again for the potential 2016 presidential candidate Chris Christie. New Jersey Governor Christie is once again considering a plan to increase commuter access between New Jersey and Manhattan by expanding tunnel access across the Hudson River. To the residents of New Jersey this on-going saga couldn’t seem like more of a pain, however, tunnels of a different sort are causing very real pain and misery all over the U.S. These tunnels, such as the infamous carpal tunnel in our hand or the tarsal tunnel just behind our ankles, act as small passages for nerves, arteries and tendons into our periphery, and when trapped can cause significant pain to the extremity.
For those unfamiliar with the tarsal tunnel, it is a small passage behind the inside of our ankles. This particular tunnel holds the posterior tibial nerve, a nerve primarily responsible for the muscle control and sensation to parts of our feet. Ankle injuries, systemic disease, biomechanical problems, and many problems can all cause this tunnel to become compressed, placing excessive pressure on the nerves and vessels which pass through. This entrapment is what causes the numbness, tingling, and sometimes even shooting pain in our feet.
If you ever feel these symptoms in your feet, it is imperative that you see a local foot specialist immediately, as a compressed tarsal tunnel may cause irreversible nerve damage. Following examination and diagnosis, your local physician may try a multitude of options to reduce this compression, orthotic shoe devices, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and custom footwear. In severe situations, ankle surgery may even be required.
While tunnel issues may be a pain in the necks of citizens of New Jersey, don’t let tarsal tunnel pains become a problem in your feet! No matter where you live in the Crofton, Gambrills, or Annapolis area of Maryland, pain in your ankles or feet is not normal and should be checked by a local specialist before any permanent damage can set in and if you’re in the area don’t hesitate to call Crofton Podiatry for an appointment.
By Brad Toll.