What is tarsal tunnel syndrome and who is it different than carpal tunnel syndrome?

For good advice see a lawyer and if you have questions about this blog, the law or your case write or call me directly. Steve Lombardi, sdlombardi@aol.com and 515-222-1110. I handle all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' compensation cases. We help truckers all across the country who come through Iowa and end up in an accident. If we need other lawyers from other states we hire them and it costs you no more than what you would pay us; in other words, we split the fee between us. So call 515-222-1110 or email us at sdlombardi@aol.com.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney

Blog Category:

9/13/2010
Steve Lombardi
Comments (0)

What is tarsal tunnel syndrome and why is it different than carpal tunnel syndrome?

Tarsal refers to the foot and carpal to the wrist. Both are an entrapment type of injury caused by wear and tear of the joint. So tarsal tunnel syndrome is a foot joint problem and yes it can be a result of the work environment, either from a traumatic incident or just repeated micro trauma.

For further information see Wikipedia, Tarsal tunnel syndrome or Foot Health Facts by FootPhysicians.com where they explain what is tarsal tunnel syndrome, the causes and symptoms or go to HealthCommunities.com to read, Overview, Tarsal Tunnel Signs and Symptoms. The article from Foot Physicians is pretty good in that it describes that a person with flat feet is at risk of developing tarsal tunnel syndrome as well as an ankle sprain that can swell and put pressure on the nerve. Diabetes or arthritis can also cause the necessary swelling and nerve compression.

What are the typical symptoms of someone suffering from tarsal tunnel syndrome?

Workers suffering from TTS typically experience symptoms of "numbness in the foot, radiating to the big toe and the first 3 toes, pain, burning, electrical sensations, and tingling over the base of the foot and the heel. Depending on the area of entrapment, other areas can be affected. If the entrapment is high, the entire foot can be affected as varying branches of the tibial nerve can become involved. Ankle pain is also present in patients who have high level entrapments. Inflammation or swelling can occur within this tunnel for a number of reasons. The flexor retinaculum has a limited ability to stretch, so increased pressure will eventually cause compression on the nerve within the tunnel. As pressure increases on the nerves, the blood flow decreases. Nerves respond with altered sensations like tingling and numbness. Fluid collects in the foot when standing and walking and this makes the condition worse. As small muscles lose their nerve supply they can create a cramping feeling."

Workers who suffer trauma to the foot or who are on their feet can develop this condition. It is covered by Iowa's workers' compensation act.

For more information about tunnel syndromes see:

Category: Workers' Compensation

Labels: benefits claim Commentary iowa law lawyer tarsal tunnel syndrome workers' compensation

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer. Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for over 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois. Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney