Women Runners Dealing With Injury :: Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that causes symptoms similar to that of plantar fasciitis. The condition is marked by numbness in the foot, which radiates from the big toe and the first three toes. You may experience a multitude of symptoms including pain, a burning sensation, tingling over the base of the foot and the heel, and pain and tingling in and around the ankle. Ouch!

What Causes It?

The tarsel tunnel is a structure inside the heel that runs the posterior tibial nerve and a group of tendons that stretch from the calf to the toes (see picture). High degrees of ankle pronation can cause nerve irritation along the medial (inner) side of the heel and into the arch of the foot. Runners with flat feet, varicose veins, tendonitis or a bone spur can also be affected by tarsel tunnel. Additionally, people with conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, gout, and even pregnant women can be affected due to excessive pressure on the posterial tibial nerve.

What To Do?

For runners, tarsel tunnel treatment should begin with rest and ice (to reduce swelling) and NSAIDs to help with the pain and reduce inflammation. It may be necessary to immobilize the area for a period of time as well. Your physical therapist may also recommend specific stretching exercises and ultrasound treatments to speed healing.

As always, if your pain is persistent or seems to be getting worse, you should definitely seek medical attention (preferably from a sport medicine professional).

How To Prevent It

First, be sure you are running in the right shoes. Get fitted at a running specialty store where your running style can be analyzed and proper shoes can be recommended. Orthotics may also be recommended for women runners suffering from this condition.

Be sure to warm up for at least 10 minutes before you run and avoid uneven surfaces (bad news for trail runners!)

You may also want to use strengthening exercises that target the lower leg and ankles. Follow the advice of your physical therapist before using these exercises if you are actively suffering from tarsel tunnel.

For more information, this is a really good article that covers the causes and treatment of tarsel tunnel.

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