Tarsal Tunnel is a condition that effects many people every day. However, there are a ton of myths out there about Tarsal Tunnel, some propagated by doctors. I have written this article to counter some of the many common myths associated with Tarsal Tunnel.
1. Tarsal Tunnel is common. This is a lie. If any doctor says that they see a lot of it walk out. They are lying or incomptent. Latest data indicates there are about 1.8 million cases a year. While that sounds like a lot it’s less then 0.1% of the population. In other words there is no way a doctor is seeing more than 3 to 4 cases a year.
2. Tarsal Tunnel is like Carpal Tunnel. It is not at all like Carpal Tunnel. The differences are vast yet simple. The fact is there is a well studied simple procedure that can take care of Carpal Tunnel. No such surgery like that exists for Tarsal Tunnel. Also, Carpal Tunnel is studied far more then Taral Tunnel. Carpal Tunnel can also be easily diagnosed with symptoms alone. With Tarsal Tunnel you need a Nerve Conduction Test and MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
3. The Surgery is very successful. Not true at all. The results of the surgery are at most 60% successful by and large. If you can avoid the surgery you should. The only time the surgery is successful at a sufficent rate is if there is a space occupying lesion such as Ganglionic cyst that is seen on MRI. If no space occupying lesion is seen the chances are very small.
4. Custom Orthotics can help. No, you have a nerve problem and orthotics will not help your Tarsal Tunnel. They just won’t.
5. I have Tarsal Tunnel– Tarsal Tunnel a lot of times is incorrectly diagnosed far too commonly. Just because you have tingling in your feet and a couple other signs does not mean you have Tarsal Tunnel. The only way to correctly diagnosis Tarsal Tunnel is if you have a Nerve conduction Test AND MRI. Without those 2 tests you do not have Tarsal Tunnel. PERIOD.