[jpeak245]

I am 48 yrs old and in good shape. I have been diagosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome I do not have pain ,but I do get numbness and cramping in my right foot.I have recently had electric shock therapy for plantar fatises that worked great , no more pain .gone.I have however suffered from chronic siatica for years that I now think is due to this tarsal problem , mainly because it is a branch of the siatica nerve, but that just my opinion.If surgery is recomended what can I expect as far as getting back to work ? I have not read many promising stories on this board and I am now getting somewhat discouraged that I will be able to get yhis thing behind me. Thank you

[UndercovrAngel]

jpeak,

Tarsal tunnel is caused by many things, including plantar's fasciitis. Even though you may not have that problem any longer, it could have led to the tarsal tunnel.

As far as what to expect if you have the surgery and how quickly you will recover.. there are many variables. But the first thing that I would suggest is having an EMG done on your right leg and foot. This will show if the problem is coming from your L-5/S-1, which is also a cause of sciatica. My EMG came back positive for that.

There are many other treatments that can be tried first before you are cut on, including immobilization of the ankle, medications, proper footwear and physical therapy. However, if you go with the surgery, make sure that you start some kind of PT as soon as you can afterwards. This will help in leeping the mobility in your ankle. I would suggest finding a physical therapist the is familiar with TENS, ultrasound and moist heat on the afflicted ankle.

As for recovery, you will be in a hard cast for at least 10 days, then should be put in a boot for several more weeks. The one important thing to remember .. don't become weight bearing to soon. You should probably use crutches for the first few weeks. Your healing period will all depend upon you and doing what the surgeon tells you to do. Every person heals different than others. So you may be able to go back to work.. and a semi-normal life in as short as 5 weeks. Or you may end up like me and not heal properly. I used up 12 weeks of FMLA and HAD to go back to work even though there was still problems with the foot that i had the surgery on. And recently, I was told that I have RSD for which there is no cure. And this was brought about by my surgery.

I hope that I was able to answer a few of your questions for you. But don't let me sway your decision about the surgery. It is a decision that you have to make for yourself. And .. you may be one of the lucky ones that has no problems after the surgery and go right back to living life like you did before hand.

Angel ^j^