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Neuropathy - posterior tibial nerve; Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Treatment is aimed at restoring feeling and strength to the foot and toes. In some cases, no treatment is needed, and patients will recover on their own. Severe loss of sensation may lead to toe or foot sores (ulcers) and infections.
Surgery to enlarge the tarsal tunnel will reduce pressure on the tibial nerve and may benefit some people.
Over-the-counter analgesics may be helpful for mild pain (neuralgia). Other medicines include:
Whenever possible, medication should be avoided or reduced to lessen the risk of side effects.
Physical therapy exercises may help some people maintain muscle strength.
Job counseling, therapy, changes, or retraining may be recommended.
If the cause of the tibial nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, patients can recover fully. Some people may have a partial or complete loss of movement or sensation. Nerve pain may be uncomfortable and last for a long period of time.
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tibial nerve dysfunction are present. Early diagnosis and treatment increases the likelihood that symptoms can be controlled.
Harati Y, Bosch EP. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 80.
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