Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in ankle
AT EVOLVE
Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in ankle
HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP A PINCHED NERVE IN YOUR ANKLE?
Many people have heard of a pinched nerve in their neck or back, but did you know you can experience the same type of nerve compression in your ankle? While rare, this condition usually involves the posterior tibial nerve or the deep peroneal nerve, and is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome or anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, respectively. Compression of the nerves in the ankle can cause weakness, pain, numbness, tingling and burning in the ankle and foot. Physical therapists are movement experts with a deep understanding of the musculoskeletal system. They will examine your ankle and leg to determine contributing factors to your ankle symptoms and utilize manual therapy techniques, modalities, exercises and other treatments to reduce pain and discomfort and address underlying causes.
WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT FOR A PINCHED ANKLE NERVE LOOK LIKE?
Physical therapy treatments for tarsal tunnel syndrome or anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, also known as compression of the posterior tibial nerve or deep peroneal nerve, are aimed at reducing symptoms of pain, burning and numbness, improving muscle strength, addressing underlying factors and facilitating return to full activity. My team of therapists and I will start by getting to know your concerns and goals and performing a thorough physical exam of the ankle while identifying factors that may be contributing to the nerve compression. Your therapist will employ manual therapy interventions to target joint and tissue mobility while also prescribing movements and exercises for nerve mobility, muscle strength and motor control to be performed in the home and the clinic.
HOW LONG WILL I NEED PHYSICAL THERAPY?
The duration of your physical therapy plan of care will vary depending on the severity of symptoms, what is causing the compression as well as the types of activities you aim to resume. While full resolution of symptoms can take some time, you may begin to see some results fairly quickly. You should experience some improvements in many symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a couple of weeks though full return to pain-free activities will likely take longer. Achieving long lasting results may take some time, but dedication to your program will not only help you achieve these results but will help to decrease the likelihood of symptoms recurring in the future.
WHAT IS TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome refers to compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it runs through a space called the tarsal tunnel on the inside of the ankle. The floor of the tarsal tunnel consists of the tibia (lower leg bone), the talus and calcaneus (heel bone) while the roof consists of a connective tissue structure called the flexor retinaculum. Quite a few important structures run through the tarsal tunnel including:
- Tibialis posterior tendon
- Flexor digitorum longus tendon
- Posterior tibial artery & vein
- Tibial nerve
- Flexor hallucis longus tendon
ANTERIOR TARSAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Compression of the deep peroneal nerve is also rare but is commonly referred to as anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome. Weakness in the foot and toes and pain or sensory changes in the foot near the webspace of the first and second toes are also characteristic of compression of this nerve. This condition is most commonly caused by entrapment beneath a connective tissue structure called the inferior extensor retinaculum. It is also possible for it to become entrapped beneath the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and brevis muscle tendons. Causes of this nerve compression range from space occupying lesion such as a ganglion cyst, osteophytes on the bone or hypertrophy of overlying muscles to extrinsic causes such as a tight-fitting shoe, a traction injury from an ankle sprain and even repetitive ankle plantarflexion such as during dancing or soccer. Call to Schedule a Consultation! 1-718-258-3300
End Injury Progression
Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in ankle has proven to prevent injury, slow and even stop pain issues, improve performance, and reverse injury progression in many cases.
Relieve Pain
The movements used in this technique can target your entire body helping you to manage discomfort and pain during the course of your physical therapy treatments.
Improve Range of Motion
Posture awareness is an important area to focus on due to the fact that certain positions may cause you further discomfort and pain.
Restore Mobility
You can regain mobility and flexibility by taking part in the stretches and exercises as prescribed by your physical therapist.
How Long Will Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in ankle Last?
If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your vestibular issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized vestibular physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF ANKLE NERVE COMPRESSION
Diagnosis of nerve compressions in the ankle is often based on clinical signs and symptoms as well as provocative tests such as the Tinel’s sign wherein the therapist taps on the involved nerve over the compressed area and it reproduces your primary symptoms. EMG studies, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRIs can also be used to look for abnormalities in bone structure, signs of inflammation or space-occupying lesions.If you have tarsal tunnel syndrome or anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome, a conservative approach is usually tried first. Your physician may prescribe a course of non steroidal anti-inflammatory or pain medications or a corticosteroid injection to manage pain and inflammation. Your physical therapist will then work to reduce compression, improve foot and ankle biomechanics and so forth to reduce your symptoms. In the case where conservative therapy does not fully address the nerve compression, surgery may be recommended by your doctor to relieve the remaining compression on the nerve.
WHAT PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS ARE BEST FOR ANKLE NERVE COMPRESSION?
While physical therapy for tarsal tunnel or anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome will always be individualized to your specific needs, below are some common goals and treatments of physical therapy to manage nerve compression in the ankle:TREATMENT TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION: modalities like ice, ultrasound, contrast baths or iontophoresis may be used to reduce inflammation in the earliest stages of healing
NERVE AND TISSUE MOBILITY EXERCISES: nerve mobilization and soft tissue mobilization techniques are often used to ensure good tissue health and proper nerve mobility
ORTHOTICS, FOOTWEAR AND TAPING: foot orthotics, heel wedges, footwear and lacing modifications and taping may be used to improve foot biomechanics and reduce compression during standing and walking
STRETCHING: Calf and other muscle stretching is often prescribed to improve muscle length
STRENGTHENING: Muscle strengthening of the tibialis posterior muscle and any other muscles deemed weak, is often prescribed in the mid and late stages of healing
While nerve compression in the ankle is a rare condition, physical therapy is a first line treatment to reduce compression and alleviate symptoms. If you are experiencing pain, weakness or paresthesias in the ankle or foot, call Evolve Physical Therapy today to schedule an initial evaluation. Call to Schedule a Consultation! 1-718-258-3300
Mill Basin (located in Harbor Fitness)
6161 Strickland Ave
Brooklyn, NY 11234
Monday: 7am-8pm
Tuesday: 7am-8pm
Wednesday: 8am-5pm
Thursday: 7am-8pm
Friday: 8am-1pm
Park Slope (located in Harbor Fitness)
550 5th Ave.
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Monday: 9am-8pm
Tuesday: 8am-6pm
Wednesday: 9am-8pm
Thursday: 8am-6pm
Friday: 8am-3pm
Gravesend
372 Avenue U
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Monday-Thursday: 8am-8pm
Friday: 8am-3pm
Kings Highway
945 Kings Highway
Brooklyn, NY 11223
Monday-Wed.: 12pm-8pm
Ready to take the next step to a healthier you?
Contact Us Today!
PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR PINCHED NERVE IN ANKLE!
Need Physical Therapy for pinched nerve in ankle?
Let our caring and compassionate physical therapists help you with relieving pain while getting you back on your feet comfortably.
Call now to schedule your first PT consultation free of charge.
Call: 1-718-258-3300
