Tarsal Tunnel

[nininj]

Hi
My name is Nikki and I am a 20 year old nursing student. I just found out about a month ago that I have tarsal tunnel and neuropathy I have had 2 other surgeries on my foot for ganglion cysts but noticed that I was having a burning pain that wasn't like my pain before. I went to the doctor, had a EMG/NCS and I just had a MRI to see if there is a mass/tumor. I haven't got my results back yet for the MRI I am extremely upset over having this because I feel like my doctor does not believe me. Even though the EMG/NCS shows that I have a severe case of tarsal tunnel it just feels like he does not believe how much pain I am really in. Being a nursing student, this greatly affects me EVERY DAY!! I work at a hospital and am on my feet all night long. My doctor has given me no pain meds, I have had 2 injections but the pain only goes away for about 2 days. I am supposed to pick up my orthotics tomorrow but I just feel like that's not going to work. He wants me to wear them for 10 days then come back to see him. If they are not working, I will have to get the surgery. I am extremely frustrated and I am at the point I want the surgery. I have had this pain since December and I just feel like no one believes how much pain this really causes me. Everything I do it hurts, driving, walking, even sitting. I am losing sleep because of the pain, and I am waking up in the middle of the night with pain. I really wish someone would just reassure that they believe me. Does anyone have any advice for me? I really would like some advice and help. Thanks

[jpeak245]

I think you will find the orthotics to make a noticable difference . They helped me .I still have not had surgery and hope that I can improve this without it . Good Luck

[tjmjm]

Let me know if the orthotics work. The podiatrist I went to gave me inserts, and they needed replaced every few months and I had to travel 70 miles to see him. Since then, I have purchased the inserts from Wal-Mart and put them in every pair of shoes I wear. We do have a physical therapist in town that can get orthotics for me. They are $300.00 and would gladly purchase them if they work. A PA in town suggested Lyrica which has really helped me other than it is expensive but worth it. I still have pain, but not as bad.

[jpeak245]

I didnt have as much sucess with the over the counter orthodics as I did with the custom ones, Mine were 400$ ,But I have seen them in foot smart for 100$, You have to make an inprint of your foot in a mold they send to you , then send it back and they make them from there.

[Kassie42]

Hi Nikki,

Prior to surgery I would try orthotics along with exercise specifically for tarsal tunnel. You can get exercise bands and do stretches that help. I learned that I can still exercise with modification. Also, it is important to know overcorrection is just as bad as no correction so be careful what shoes you where the orthotics in. I learned there is a lot I can do, and a lot I can't do. Focus on what you can do. I just had surgery on April 18th and I am waiting to see the benefits. It is too soon for me to tell if it is worth it, but I will let you know in a couple of weeks. I can tell you the surgery is very painful afterwards and I sit here wondering if I am going to be worse or better. From my research I find it is about 50% success rate if you have had it for awhile like myself, but my research could be wrong or out of date. The research also reported that you can be worse off as my surgeon also told me, although that is rare. I think a lot of variables are in place such as surgeon, severity of tarsal tunnel, length of time you have had it, and if you were subject to steriod injections. Well hope this helps and keep us up to date.
Kassie

[Kassie42]

Hi Nikki,

I should add I do believe you. I have been through it myself and people and Doctors do not understand. I have been going through it for six years and have been to numerous specialists until I found one that did believe me. Don't Give Up!

Kassie

[jpeak245]

Hi, I hope your feeling better since your surgery. You mentioned exercises using bands and streaches in your post, do you have any refference sites that could help me with the exersises? Thanks Joe

[nininj]

Hello its me again
Well I got my orthotics and its been almost 2 weeks that I've been wearing them. I have had no success with them, in fact it almost puts me in more pain after I take them out. There was nothing to report on my MRI as to why I have tarsal tunnel so my doctor is still clueless. I go to see him again on Tuesday to talk about the possible surgery. I am to my wits end. At this point if he makes more suggestions regarding wearing the orthotics longer or trying something else, I'm just going to have to tell him I'm going to find another doctor. Thank you for all of your encouragement Kassie.. I really do appreciate it. Its nice to hear from someone who knows what this pain is like. Its definitely frustrating. I elevate my foot every night, ice it, and wear the orthotics during the day to still have no relief.. I'm just hoping on Tuesday he will tell me I can finally just have the surgery and just get it over with. At this point, I'm willing to try anything. Thanks again to everyone and I'll let you all know what happens Tuesday. :o)

[Kassie42]

Joe,
I got my exercises from a PT, but I will see if I can find a website with them on it, while I am recuperating.

Kassie

[Kassie42]

Hi Joe,

I should add that I am starting to feel better. I found out that PWB, exercise, and massage are essential in eliminating my spasms. For the next three weeks I will be starting to apply full weight bearing. I still get spasms if I apply too much weight, but hopefully this will subside as well. I am also finally able to sleep so that is wonderful!

Kassie