Tarsal Tunnel

[meg_runner]

Hi,

I am an active runner (I train for marathons) averaging anywhere from 50 - 70 miles/wk. I have been recently told by two doctors that I have tarsal tunnel syndrome. For the last month or so, my toes have been burning about 30 to 40 minutes into the run and the burning lasts the entire run. However, the burning goes away as soon as i stop running. Has anyone ever had tarsal tunnel syndrome that is aggravated by physical activity (like running?) I also have a neuroma causing burning in between my third and fourth toes on my left foot, so my toes burn quite a bit while running. I wear high-heeled shoes to work all day and never experience any pain during the day, it's only about 30 - 40 minutes into the run...thoughts?

[runningaddictcolo]

I just started to have the same symptoms. I find that when I run the bottoms of my feet burn and feel like they are asleep. I thought maybe it was my running shoes..although I have been fitted by a running shoe specialist. I have flat-feet to begin with and have a lot of issues with my feet anyway. My symtoms seem to be the same, it starts when I am running, and stops when I do. Yet I can wear heels all day at work and my feet don't bother me. I have not gone to a Dr. yet but I plan on making an appointment soon.
Good Luck to you and I was glad to see that I wasn't the only runnner experiencing these weird yet painful sensations.

[meg_runner]

strange!! Same thing with me - I wear heels all day and nothing, then 30 minutes into a run I get burning toes and have to stop. I did get some accupuncture treatment and that seemed to help. let me know if you find anything, and thanks for the response!

[runningaddictcolo]

I just wanted to update you. I went to a Dr and he thinks it is Tarsal Tunnel syndrome. He would like to see if orthotics will help. He made me reduce the number of miles I run and he would like me to explore some other options for a sport. I don't think he realizes how intense that "runner's high" can be. Anyway I tired the orthotics Saturday and went on an easy 4 mile run and now I have blister's on the arches of both my feet. I am talking to the Dr today to see what other options I have. I really don't want to give up running. Let me know if you found any new relief. Is the accupuncture still working? And have you seen a Dr.? The damage can be permenant from what I understand.

[frustrated runner]

I joined and then have been absent (being frustrated and going around in circles) but I am back and glad to see some runners here! I have a long story that started last November. I haven't hardly run since. One thing that I have started lately is working with a physio who has treated me with IMS (intramuscular stimulation) where needles are inserted into the muscle until they fire- the idea being that then they relax. He started this because he believes that my soleus muscle was one area of entrapment. It has given me some relief, until he went too hard the last time and it fired up my nerves....Now I am taking a break from that and about to try a medication called lyrica.

Question to other runners, do you know what caused your tarsal tunnel and have you tried medications?

Thanks and I look forward to sharing ideas,
April

[runningaddictcolo]

April

My Dr told me that tarsal tunnel is caused by the "over use". It is the same as carpal tunnel but affects the feet. I have been seeing a physical therapist for a month now. I haven't had any symptoms and I am running 6 miles a day. I am working now on strengthing my glut muscle so that I can do some longer runs. It might be worth it to find a good Physical therapist that understand running injures. My PT told me that my bio-mechanics are messed up and probably have been since I played basketball in high school! Not having any pain or symptoms has made me very happy. I of course have a lot of exercises I have to do at home but it is totally worth it, as long as I can still run!!!
The best part is I haven't had to involve any needles or knifes and I feel "healed".
Good Luck to you!!

[frustrated runner]

oh you don't know how happy it made me to read your post!! Hope to run again! Can you tell me what you were doing with your PT? What kind of exercises etc. I would love all the details. Also, did you ever have symptoms higher than your ankles? I wonder if anyone else here has? I sometimes have that achy thing go right up my leg....
Thanks in advance
April

[frustrated runner]

Runningaddict, I don't want to be a pest but I really really want to know what you are doing, your whole story! I guess I'm hoping I can pull something out of it for my situation. I am in agony right now. My left leg feels like it is swelling in the calf and bottom of the foot, but of course its not. It's all the nerve sensations. I'm wondering if it would be easier to email me off list? If you are so inclined my email is [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed]
I sure would appreciate any info as it sounds like our situations may be similar.
Thanks in advance!
April

[churchmouse1011]

Hey, I am not a runner, but I exercise regularly, and have been having the same symptoms as everyone else, but it is both my feet. I have been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel, and told not to exercise at all. I need help with this, anything that helped someone else, I am willing to try. Not being able to exercise has been leading me to depression. I really need to get back on my feet again. Sometimes at night, my feet hurt when I am trying to sleep.