Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome And Foot Massage Therapy

Do you suffer from foot pain or numbness? You may have a condition known as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Foot Massage Therapy and Bodywork are very effective techniques in treating conditions arising from muscular and / or connective tissue abnormalities. In my San Antonio, Texas based Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice based in San Antonio, Texas I regularly treat pain from various muscular and nerve entrapment syndromes including the supposedly rare Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Like many painful conditions, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome responds very well to treatment by massage therapy and bodywork.

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is the name given to a painful nerve entrapment condition, where the posterior tibial nerve is placed under abnormal pressure by the connective tissue forming the tarsal tunnel at the inside of the ankle and the other structures in that space such as tendons from lower leg muscles. When the muscle tendons passing through the tarsal tunnel become enlarged and tight, pain results from myofascial trigger points (also know as knots) in the muscle, and pressure on the posterior tibial nerve which also passes through the tarsal tunnel. Pain from Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is most commonly found in the heel, ankle, and sole of the foot. Additionally, there may be pins and needles or a numb feeling in the sole of the foot and sometimes the toes. Most of the time the symptoms are on just one affected side, but occasionally it may affect both sides at the same time.

What is the cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

There are a number of possible causes for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. Some causes of this condition prevent massage therapy from being the ideal method of treatment. However, there are also other causes of this painful syndrome that actually make massage therapy one of the best methods of treatment. These causes include;

• direct blunt trauma to the inside of the ankle near the tarsal tunnel itself
• ankle sprains of the inner ankle are also a common cause of this syndrome
• And, this syndrome can also be caused by overuse and/or repetitive stress of the flexor muscles of the lower leg, particularly when fallen arches and/or excessive pronation is present.

Massage Therapy and Bodywork for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

There are numerous ways that massage therapy and bodywork can be used to treat Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. The massage therapist can employ a number of techniques to relieve the condition. For example the massage therapist can use Trigger Point Therapy or Neuromuscular Therapy to eliminate myofascial trigger points and associated tension in the flexor muscles when their tendons pass through the tarsal tunnel. The foot massage therapist could also use Deep Tissue Massage techniques or Myofascial Release techniques to release adhesions between the flexor retinaculum forming the tarsal tunnel and other tissues passing through the tunnel while also using Muscle Energy Techniques to lengthen the same muscles to lessen tension in the tissues. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome also responds well to positional release therapies like Ortho-Bionomy which works with the body's nervous system to release muscles and improve joint movement in the area - particularly in the subtalar joint and arch of the foot. Comprehensive treatment with foot massage and bodywork, in conjunction with a home based program of exercise and stretching, may help to entirely resolve Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.

Other Treatments for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

While foot massage and bodywork are excellent therapies for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome there are other treatments you can discuss with your physician:

• Corticosteroid Injections
• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS)
• Functional Foot Orthotics
• Dorsal Night Splint
• Decompressive Surgery

The information given on this page has been provided for information purposes only. It is not meant to offer a medical diagnosis, only a licensed physician can diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome. If you feel that you may have symptoms for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome please see your physician for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan which may include foot massage therapy and bodywork. There are other serious conditions which are similar to Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome that may require urgent medical attention.