If numbness, tingling and pain are experienced in the feet, you may have a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome. This occurs when the tibial nerve is squeezed in the tarsal tunnel thereby causing varying sensations in the foot. Causes may include flat feet, arthritis, or a possible ankle sprain. Early symptoms consisting of tingling or numbness in the foot may be present and then vanish, but will become more relentless as the nerve pressure increases. A diagnosis may become necessary and is often arrived at by a physical exam or x-ray. To encourage healing, it’s important to rest the foot as often as possible and to schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for viable treatment options.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna 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 Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Most athletes at some point will sustain a foot or ankle injury which may become a chronic, ongoing condition possibly affecting different parts of the foot. Symptoms of an ankle sprain may be swelling, tenderness, and bruising in addition to experiencing intense pain. Any athlete that plays a sport that includes jumping and running may be susceptible to sprains and breaks of the ankle. It can occur as a chronic condition, possibly affecting long-distance runners, or from an incident such as falling, common among football players. Another type of injury may be shin splints, often characterized by tenderness and pain in the front of the leg. This occurs when the unconditioned leg endures repeated strain, usually happening at the beginning of a training regimen. Runners may experience sharp pains in the foot, often referred to as plantar fasciitis, as extra stress is put on the numerous bones and joints. When the band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed, symptoms may include severe pain and difficulty in walking. A consultation with a podiatrist is advised for a diagnosis and treatment options.

Sports related foot and ankle injuries require proper treatment before players can go back to their regular routines. For more information, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Sports Related Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are a common occurrence when it comes to athletes of any sport. While many athletes dismiss the initial aches and pains, the truth is that ignoring potential foot and ankle injuries can lead to serious problems. As athletes continue to place pressure and strain the area further, a mild injury can turn into something as serious as a rupture and may lead to a permanent disability. There are many factors that contribute to sports related foot and ankle injuries, which include failure to warm up properly, not providing support or wearing bad footwear. Common injuries and conditions athletes face, including:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Plantar Fasciosis
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Ankle Sprains

Sports related injuries are commonly treated using the RICE method. This includes rest, applying ice to the injured area, compression and elevating the ankle. More serious sprains and injuries may require surgery, which could include arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery. Rehabilitation and therapy may also be required in order to get any recovering athlete to become fully functional again. Any unusual aches and pains an athlete sustains must be evaluated by a licensed, reputable medical professional.

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

Demarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans recently ruptured his Achilles Tendon during a Friday night game.  With just 15 seconds remaining, Cousins went to rebound on a free throw he missed and landed on his left leg.  Now, Cousins must miss the remainder of the season from having to undergo surgery.  Cousins will be immobilized for quite some time and have to go through physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in his ankle and leg.  It is said that the rate of recovery from surgery associated with this injury are high.  With professional athletes having a different standard of physical health, this injury may hinder their athletic performance in the future.  That being said, many people are curious to see how well Cousins will perform when he returns.  

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Lockport, NY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

It typically takes 18 years for strong bones to fully develop in a child’s foot. Research has suggested that by observing your child’s posture and gait, common foot ailments may be avoided. A child typically begins to walk around 12 months of age, and going barefoot a majority of the time is beneficial to developing strong muscles. As a child’s foot develops, the shape of the foot may change, causing different size shoes to be worn every 6 months until the feet stop growing. There are several things you can do to optimize your child’s foot health, including choosing shoes with ample room for the toes to straighten and avoiding socks that are constrictive. When assessing your child’s shoe size, it’s important that both feet are measured correctly. The shoes should also feel comfortable while trying them on and should not have to be broken in. If your child complains of heel pain, especially if sports are an integral part of their daily activities, please consider a consultation with a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis.

Making sure that your children maintain good foot health is very important as they grow. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Harry I. Zirna of Lockport Foot Care, PLLC. Dr. Zirna can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Keeping Children's Feet Healthy

Having healthy feet during childhood can help prevent medical problems later in life, namely in the back and legs. As children grow, their feet require different types of care. Here are some things to consider...

Although babies do not walk yet, it is still very important to take care of their feet.

Avoid putting tight shoes or socks on his or her feet.

Allow the baby to stretch and kick his or her feet to feel comfortable.

As a toddler, kids are now on the move and begin to develop differently. At this age, toddlers are getting a feel for walking, so don’t be alarmed if your toddler is unsteady or ‘walks funny’. 

As your child gets older, it is important to teach them how to take care of their feet.

Show them proper hygiene to prevent infections such as fungus.

Be watchful for any pain or injury.

Have all injuries checked by a doctor as soon as possible.

Comfortable, protective shoes should always be worn, especially at play.

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