Pinched Nerve In Ankle

The medical name for a pinched nerve in the ankle is tarsal tunnel syndrome. It is very similar to a more common disorder known as carpal tunnel syndrome that happens in the wrist joints. As for the tunnel tarsal syndrome, the tibial nerve gets irritated and pinched when passing from a tarsal nerve. The Latin name for ankle is tarsal. In the event that the tibial nerve gets pinched, it gives the feeling of numbness and tingling in the toes and foot. The ankle movement becomes weak and the pain from the pinched nerve is very severe.

Causes of tarsal tunnel syndrome

One of the main causes of this disorder is pronation, the time when the foot fails. When the patient’s foot collapses, there is a misalignment in the leg or foot, which causes the host to suffer severe leg pain and heel pain.  Arthritis is a renowned cause of pinched nerve in the ankle, which leads to the ankle joint being inflamed, leading to injured nerves.

The third common cause of most of the heel pains and feet pains issues is obesity, or rather becoming extensively overweight. This much weight raises the pressure on the lower part of the body and cause severe pains in the foot area.

Heel spurs is the last main cause of tarsal tunnel syndrome; an unusual and abnormal heel bone growth. There are deposits of calcium that accumulate in the heel area when planter fascia tweaks away. The resulting bony protrusion is referred to as a heel spur. This leads to changing the way the individual walks, so as to prevent the discomfort they feel, and this ultimately leads to a pinching tibial nerve.

Signs of a pinched nerve in ankle

The symptoms experienced in the pinched nerve of the ankle are identical tot eh signs of pinched nerves in any other part of the body. What may vary is the severity. The symptoms include:

• An individual experiences a tingling sensation as well as numbness in the foot and toes area.
• There is severe pain accrued from a pinched nerve. This pain can be the burning or aching kind. This pain can either be limited to the ankle, or can radiate more down to the foot, heels and toes.
• The pain is normally extreme during the night time, causing the individual to lack sleep.
• Because of the pain, the patient can become immobilized.
• Ankle joint weakness is quite common with the tibial pinched nerves. This can at times cause the patient incapable of walking well. The patient can also be inept of walking for long distances due to the pain and the weakness of the ankle joint.

Treatment of pinched nerve in the ankle

Treating this condition is dependent on its severity.

• Because too much activity causes this disorder, it is advisable that the patient takes enough rest. After a while, after the patient starts feeling better, it is recommended that they make adjustments to their activities.
• Anti-inflammatory medication aids in alleviating inflammation and pain present in the tarsal tunnel disorder.
• In the initial stages, the patient can feel better when they sue warm application. Immersing the affected foot in warm water for some time can help in reducing the pain.
• Ankle braces can be worn by patients since they provide stability and support during walking.
• Cortisone injections are also used when pain and numbness becomes worse. This injection must only be administered by a medical practitioner.
• Ankle physical therapy is also advisable since it aids in relieving the symptoms of the pinched nerves in the ankle. The services of a physical therapist play a great role as the exercises done aid in improving the strength and flexibility of the ankle affected.
• Surgery can be administered to release the nerve that is entrapped, only when the other forms of treatment do not work. This procedure is done to further reduce the damage caused to a pinched nerve.
• Icing the affected ankle approximately 20 minutes apart severally in a day can help in minimizing the pain and inflammation of the patient’s tarsal nerve.
• Wrapping the foot arch and the ankle by sue of an elastic bandage can help to immobilize this area as well as limit any kinds of movements. The wrapping should be done loosely so as to allow the free blood circulation in the affected area.
• Resting and elevating the affected foot beyond the heart level is important as it aids in lessening the pain and inflammation and ensures that the healing process of the condition is faster.
• Wearing shoe inserts is also recommended since it aids in supporting the arch and correcting any kind of improper motions of the foot that lead to the compression I the first place.

Conclusion

It is vital to be aggressive with the ankle sprains. Bear in mind that any sprain in the ankle is a part joint dislocation and one should not assume it. Aggressiveness must also be practiced with physical therapy and bracing. The first signs must be taken note of to avoid any further long term hitches.