Have you noticed a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in your feet and wondered what might be causing it? Foot nerve pain causes can be challenging to pinpoint, but two common culprits are tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy. Although they share similarities in symptoms, they have different origins, treatment plans, and implications for your long-term foot and ankle health.
At Interventional Pain & Spine in Wexford, PA, Dr. Mohammad Ali specializes in diagnosing and treating nerve conditions that cause foot and ankle pain. With triple board certification in pain medicine, neurology, and neurophysiology, Dr. Ali offers comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options to reduce your pain and restore mobility. To find the root cause of your symptoms and receive targeted care, schedule an appointment today or call us at 724-965-8946.
Let’s explore how these two conditions differ and when it’s time to consult a specialist.
What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome occurs when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the tarsal tunnel—a narrow passageway located behind the medial malleolus (inner ankle bone) and covered by the flexor retinaculum, a supportive ligament.
This condition, also known as tibial nerve entrapment, may be caused by ankle sprains, inflammation due to repetitive stress, or structural issues such as flat feet. Over time, pressure on the nerve can lead to discomfort, sensory changes, and reduced foot function.
Tarsal Tunnel Symptoms
- Tingling or burning along the inner ankle, arch, or bottom of the foot
- Pain that worsens with walking, standing, or physical activity
- Numbness that radiates into the toes
- Muscle weakness or fatigue in the foot
These symptoms may develop gradually and often become more noticeable during weight-bearing activities or at the end of the day.
How We Diagnose Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
At Interventional Pain & Spine, Dr. Ali performs a thorough evaluation to confirm or rule out tarsal tunnel syndrome. This includes:
- A physical exam, including Tinel’s sign, where gentle tapping over the nerve may reproduce symptoms
- Nerve conduction studies to assess how well signals are traveling along the nerve
- Imaging such as MRI or ultrasound to examine the surrounding soft tissues and rule out other causes of compression
Accurate diagnosis is essential for choosing the right treatment approach and preventing long-term nerve irritation.
What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, often affecting the feet and legs. It can interfere with the body’s ability to transmit sensory and motor signals, leading to pain, numbness, and muscle weakness.
This condition is commonly associated with underlying causes such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, and infections.
Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms
- Symmetrical numbness, tingling, or a burning sensation in both feet
- Pain or discomfort that tends to worsen at night
- Muscle weakness, difficulty with balance, or reduced sensation in the toes and lower legs
- Increased sensitivity to temperature changes or light touch
Symptoms typically begin gradually and may spread upward from the toes to the legs over time, making early diagnosis important.
How We Diagnose Peripheral Neuropathy
To evaluate peripheral neuropathy, Dr. Ali uses a combination of diagnostic tools, including:
- A detailed medical history and physical exam
- Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG) to assess electrical activity and signal transmission in affected nerves
- Blood tests to identify potential causes such as diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, or thyroid disorders
These tools help pinpoint the source of nerve damage and allow for a more targeted and effective treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Each Condition
Tarsal tunnel syndrome and peripheral neuropathy each require tailored strategies to address the root cause of nerve irritation and restore function. At Interventional Pain & Spine, Dr. Ali develops personalised treatment plans using evidence-based techniques and minimally invasive options.
Tarsal Tunnel Treatment
The goal of tarsal tunnel treatment is to relieve pressure on the posterior tibial nerve and prevent further nerve damage. Depending on the severity, treatment may include:
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen soft tissues, reduce inflammation, and support nerve mobility
- Custom orthotics or ankle supports to improve foot alignment and reduce tibial nerve compression, especially in patients with flat feet
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or targeted corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
- Ultrasound-guided nerve blocks to calm irritated nerves and improve function
Dr. Ali may also incorporate image-guided techniques or diagnostic injections to identify the site of compression precisely and customize the next steps.
Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment
Managing peripheral neuropathy focuses on controlling symptoms, addressing the underlying cause, and preventing further nerve deterioration. Treatment options may include:
- Neuropathic pain medications, such as gabapentin, pregabalin, or duloxetine, tailored to your response and tolerance
- Diabetes and metabolic condition management, including blood sugar control and nutritional support
- Specialised physical therapy to maintain strength, improve balance, and reduce fall risk
- Regenerative therapies and nerve blocks, including spinal or peripheral nerve interventions, for advanced or treatment-resistant cases
- Neuromodulation techniques, such as spinal cord stimulation, may be considered when conservative methods are not sufficient
Dr. Ali carefully evaluates each patient to determine the best course of care, combining diagnostics, conservative therapy, and interventional options to optimize outcomes.
When to Consult a Specialist
You should consider scheduling a consultation with Dr. Ali at Interventional Pain & Spine if:
- Your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or disrupting your daily routine.
- You experience growing numbness, tingling, or weakness in your feet or ankles.
- Nerve pain interferes with your sleep, mobility, or overall quality of life.
- You have diabetes, autoimmune conditions, or other risk factors for nerve damage.
Early evaluation is key. Prompt, targeted care can help prevent long-term complications and protect your nerve health.
Why Choose Interventional Pain & Spine?
Dr. Ali brings advanced training and compassionate care to every patient encounter. At Interventional Pain & Spine, we focus on helping you find long-term relief through accurate diagnosis and minimally invasive solutions.
Here’s why patients trust us:
- Triple board-certified expertise in pain medicine, neurology, and neurophysiology
- Cutting-edge diagnostic tools to pinpoint the root cause of nerve pain
- Personalised treatment plans tailored to your symptoms, goals, and daily activities
- Minimally invasive procedures designed to reduce pain without extensive downtime
- Patient-focused care built on communication, comfort, and long-term results
Whether you're facing tarsal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or chronic foot and ankle pain, our team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Let Dr. Ali Solve Your Foot Nerve Pain
Identifying whether your symptoms are caused by tarsal tunnel syndrome or peripheral neuropathy is the first step to effective treatment. With advanced testing, personalised plans, and minimally invasive options, Dr. Ali delivers the expert care you need to move forward confidently.
Schedule your consultation today with Interventional Pain & Spine in Wexford, PA. Call us at 724-965-8946 or request an appointment online to get started with nerve pain care that’s built around you.
