The tibial nerve is a nerve located in the foot. When this nerve endures abnormal pressure, it can cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by inflammation surrounding the tarsal tunnel, which is located on the inside of the ankle, and can result in severe pain and discomfort. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can develop for various reasons, including diabetes or a possible tumor on the tarsal tunnel. A common symptom that patients may experience is pain in the sole of the foot. The pain may become worse when walking and standing for extended periods of time, and relief may be found when the affected foot is elevated. If you have pain in your feet, it is strongly suggested that you consult with a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome, which can also be called tibial nerve dysfunction, is an uncommon condition of misfiring peripheral nerves in the foot. The tibial nerve is the peripheral nerve in the leg responsible for sensation and movement of the foot and calf muscles. In tarsal tunnel syndrome, the tibial nerve is damaged, causing problems with movement and feeling in the foot of the affected leg.

Common Cause of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Involves pressure or an injury, direct pressure on the tibial nerve for an extended period of time, sometimes caused by other body structures close by or near the knee.
• Diseases that damage nerves, including diabetes, may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• At times, tarsal tunnel syndrome can appear without an obvious cause in some cases.

The Effects of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Different sensations, an afflicted person may experience pain, tingling, burning or other unusual sensations in the foot of the affected leg.
• The foot muscles, toes and ankle become weaker, and curling your toes or flexing your foot can become difficult.
• If condition worsens, infections and ulcers may develop on the foot that is experiencing the syndrome.

A physical exam of the leg can help identify the presence of tarsal tunnel syndrome. Medical tests, such as a nerve biopsy, are also used to diagnose the condition. Patients may receive physical therapy and prescriptive medication. In extreme cases, some may require surgery.

If you have any questions please contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Trail running shoes are designed to provide support and protection on uneven and rugged terrain, and selecting the right pair is essential for foot health. Key qualities include appropriate stack height for cushioning, lug length, or how tall or deep the rubber protrusions are on the sole or traction, and proper shoe width to accommodate foot shape. Wearing trail shoes that do not fit correctly or provide adequate support can lead to blisters, plantar fasciitis, ankle sprains, or other injuries. A podiatrist can help evaluate your foot structure, recommend suitable trail running shoes, and provide guidance on orthotics or preventive strategies to reduce risk of injury. If you have foot pain from wearing the wrong type of running shoes, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can treat various foot conditions and guide you on proper footwear choices for your running style.

You should always make sure your running shoes fit properly in order to avoid injury. For more information, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Choosing the Right Running Shoe for Your Foot Type

Improper shoe sizing can cause a myriad of problems for your feet. Shoes that don’t fit you properly can lead to muscular imbalances in your body, which can result in foot, knee, and hip injuries.

Tips for Finding the Right Running Shoe

• Make sure you have a thumb’s width of wiggle room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
• There should be little to no slipping at the heel
• Don’t assume your size in one shoe brand will be your size in another
• Do not lace up your shoes too tightly
• Walk around in the store with your new shoes before you buy them

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ingrown toenails occur when the edge of the nail grows into the surrounding skin, often causing pain and discomfort. The big toe is most commonly affected, and risk factors include improper trimming of the toenails, especially when nails are cut too short or rounded at the edges.  Wearing tight shoes that crowd the toes or frequent use of flip-flops, which allow too much motion and pressure, may also contribute. People with naturally curved or thickened toenails, as well as those with toe deformities or excessive foot sweating, are more prone to this problem. Ingrown toenails may lead to swelling, redness, infection, and difficulty walking, if not addressed promptly. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, provide treatment to relieve pain, and, in advanced cases may perform surgery to correct the nail growth pattern. If you are experiencing pain from an ingrown toenail, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective treatment.

Ingrown toenails can become painful if they are not treated properly. For more information about ingrown toenails, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM of Maryland. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails occur when a toenail grows sideways into the bed of the nail, causing pain, swelling, and possibly infection.

Causes

• Bacterial infections
• Improper nail cutting such as cutting it too short or not straight across
• Trauma to the toe, such as stubbing, which causes the nail to grow back irregularly
• Ill-fitting shoes that bunch the toes too close together
• Genetic predisposition

Prevention

Because ingrown toenails are not something found outside of shoe-wearing cultures, going barefoot as often as possible will decrease the likeliness of developing ingrown toenails. Wearing proper fitting shoes and using proper cutting techniques will also help decrease your risk of developing ingrown toenails.

Treatment

Ingrown toenails are a very treatable foot condition. In minor cases, soaking the affected area in salt or antibacterial soaps will not only help with the ingrown nail itself, but also help prevent any infections from occurring. In more severe cases, surgery is an option. In either case, speaking to your podiatrist about this condition will help you get a better understanding of specific treatment options that are right for you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Having flat feet is often seen as a concern for young athletes, but research shows it is not a disadvantage. Studies using balance testing, tiptoe standing angle, and repetitive leg movements have found no confirmed disadvantages for children or teens with flat arches when compared to those with higher arches. Athletic ability, strength, and coordination remain unaffected, allowing young athletes to perform at their best. A podiatrist can help by evaluating foot structure, offering supportive footwear or orthotics, if needed, and guiding proper training techniques to prevent injury. If you are concerned about flat feet in your child, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for reassurance and expert advice to keep them active and confident.

Flatfoot is a condition many people suffer from. If you have flat feet, contact Tanya R. Sellers-Hannibal, DPM from Maryland. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Are Flat Feet?

Flatfoot is a condition in which the arch of the foot is depressed and the sole of the foot is almost completely in contact with the ground. About 20-30% of the population generally has flat feet because their arches never formed during growth.

Conditions & Problems:

Having flat feet makes it difficult to run or walk because of the stress placed on the ankles.

Alignment – The general alignment of your legs can be disrupted, because the ankles move inward which can cause major discomfort.

Knees – If you have complications with your knees, flat feet can be a contributor to arthritis in that area.  

Symptoms

• Pain around the heel or arch area
• Trouble standing on the tip toe
• Swelling around the inside of the ankle
• Flat look to one or both feet
• Having your shoes feel uneven when worn

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain and stress on the foot you may weaken the posterior tibial tendon, which runs around the inside of the ankle. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Owings Mills, MD . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.