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Podiatric Care for Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tuesday, 06 October 2026

Tarsal tunnel syndrome develops when the tibial nerve becomes compressed near the inside of the ankle. This nerve travels through a narrow space called the tarsal tunnel before continuing into the foot. Pressure in this area can cause pain, burning, or tingling along the sole of the foot. Some patients also experience numbness. Symptoms can become more noticeable with standing or activity. An ankle injury, a cyst, or changes in foot structure can increase pressure around the nerve. Identifying where symptoms occur can help determine whether nerve compression is involved.

A podiatrist can evaluate tarsal tunnel syndrome by examining the foot and ankle and asking about the pattern of symptoms. One examination method involves gently tapping over the tibial nerve near the inner ankle. Tingling or an electric sensation that travels into the foot can suggest irritation of the nerve. The podiatrist can assess ankle movement, foot structure, and the way a patient walks. This evaluation is important because other problems can also cause pain or numbness in the foot. Understanding the source of the symptoms helps guide an appropriate treatment plan.

Podiatric care can focus on mechanical factors that place added stress around the ankle and foot. A podiatrist can address restricted joint movement and evaluate how the lower leg affects foot mechanics. Treatment can include gentle joint mobilization, guided stretching, and strengthening exercises based on examination findings. A podiatrist can also assess movement patterns that could increase pressure around the tarsal tunnel. Persistent numbness or worsening weakness deserves careful evaluation because ongoing nerve compression can affect foot function. If you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. 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 Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Are Bunions Affecting Your Everyday Life?

Sunday, 04 October 2026

Have you noticed a bony protrusion on the side of your big toe? If so, you may have developed the foot condition known as a bunion. Don't let bunions interfere with your daily activities.

Podiatric Care for Blisters and Blistering Conditions

Tuesday, 29 September 2026

Blisters are fluid-filled pockets that form beneath the outer layer of skin. On the feet, they can develop when repeated rubbing or pressure irritates the skin. Tight shoes can create friction against the toes, heels, or sides of the feet. Burns and other skin injuries can also cause blisters. Most blisters caused by irritation affect the upper layers of skin and heal without leaving a scar. Symptoms include tenderness, redness, and a raised pocket of fluid. A blister can make standing or walking uncomfortable when pressure is placed on the affected area.

Not every blister develops from friction or an injury. Some diseases cause blisters because of problems within the body. Certain conditions involve the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy skin. These conditions can produce widespread blisters that begin in deeper layers of the skin. They can take longer to heal and can sometimes leave scars. Infections and reactions to certain medications can also cause serious blistering. A podiatrist can examine foot blisters and ask about when they appeared. The examination can help determine whether pressure, infection, or another condition could be responsible. Unexplained or widespread blistering can require evaluation by another medical specialist.

Treatment for foot blisters depends on their cause, location, and severity. A podiatrist can protect an irritated area and address pressure that contributes to the problem. Treatment can include professional wound care, protective padding, and care for an underlying infection. A podiatrist can also evaluate shoes that create repeated friction or pressure against the skin. Blisters linked to a more serious skin disease require treatment directed at the underlying condition. Patients with diabetes or poor circulation should have foot blisters evaluated promptly because damaged skin can lead to serious complications. A podiatric evaluation is also important when a foot blister becomes increasingly painful, red, or swollen. If you are developing frequent blisters on your feet, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for effective relief and treatment solutions.

Blisters are prone to making everyday activities extremely uncomfortable. If your feet are hurting, contact Jed Wells, DPM of Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Foot Blisters

Foot blisters develop as a result of constantly wearing tight or ill-fitting footwear. This happens due to the constant rubbing from the shoe, which can often lead to pain.

What Are Foot Blisters?

A foot blister is a small fluid-filled pocket that forms on the upper-most layer of the skin. Blisters are filled with clear fluid and can lead to blood drainage or pus if the area becomes infected.

How Do Blisters Form?

Blisters on the feet are often the result of constant friction of skin and material, usually by shoe rubbing. Walking in sandals, boots, or shoes that don’t fit properly for long periods of time can result in a blister. Having consistent foot moisture and humidity can easily lead to blister formation.

Prevention & Treatment

It is important to properly care for the affected area in order to prevent infection and ease the pain. Do not lance the blister and use a Band-Aid to provide pain relief. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry and wear proper fitting shoes. If you see blood or pus in a blister, seek assistance from a podiatrist.

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

What to Know About Toe and Forefoot Fractures

Tuesday, 22 September 2026

Toe and forefoot fractures can happen after a direct injury, like hitting the foot against a hard object or dropping something on the toes. A fracture is a break or crack in a bone. The forefoot contains five long bones called metatarsals, with the smaller bones that form the toes. Fractures can develop from repeated stress or after a sudden increase in physical activity. Pain and swelling are common signs. Bruising, pain while walking, and a change in the shape of a toe can also occur. A fracture does not always look obvious, so an evaluation is important when foot pain follows an injury or continues with activity.

A podiatrist can examine the foot and ask how the injury happened. The examination focuses on swelling, tenderness, bruising, changes in shape, and other signs of injury. X-rays can help show most toe and forefoot fractures. However, a stress fracture can be difficult to see on an early X-ray because it can begin as a small crack. When a stress fracture is suspected but does not appear on an X-ray, a podiatrist can determine whether additional imaging is appropriate. A diagnosis helps identify the location and type of fracture and guides treatment.

Treatment for toe and forefoot fractures depends on the location, type, and position of the broken bone. Many fractures can heal without surgery. A podiatrist can provide treatment that supports the bone while it heals, which can include a walking boot, cast, or other form of immobilization. Some fractures require the bone to be moved back into proper position, while more serious or unstable fractures can require surgery. Follow-up visits can help a podiatrist check whether the bone is staying aligned and healing properly. Recovery can take several weeks, and some fractures require a longer period of time before normal activity is safe. If you have symptoms of toe and forefoot fractures, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

Swelling
Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
Stiffness
Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Exploring Reasons for Ankle Pain

Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Ankle pain is discomfort affecting the ankle joint, surrounding muscles, or ligaments. It can develop gradually or occur suddenly after an injury. Pain may range from a dull ache to severe discomfort that makes walking difficult. Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, or stiffness. Tenderness, and reduced movement are also common. Ankle pain can affect daily activities, especially while standing, walking, or exercising. Understanding the cause can help guide appropriate care and prevent symptoms from becoming worse.

Several factors can contribute to ankle pain. Excessive exercise may place repeated stress on muscles, tendons, and joints, especially when activity increases too quickly. Wearing tight shoes can also create pressure around the ankle and affect foot movement. Other causes include sprains, tendon irritation, or overuse. Risk factors may include previous ankle injuries, physically demanding activities, and sudden changes in exercise routines. Paying attention to discomfort can help prevent minor problems from progressing.

A podiatrist can evaluate ankle pain by reviewing your symptoms, activity level, and injury history. The examination may assess swelling, tenderness, and foot strength. They may also check flexibility, and walking mechanics. Imaging tests may be recommended when a fracture or significant structural problem is suspected. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. A podiatrist may recommend activity modification, supportive footwear, or targeted exercises. More involved care may include bracing, physical therapy, or other treatments designed to reduce pain and restore ankle function.

Do not ignore ankle pain that persists, becomes severe, or interferes with movement. Resting from aggravating activities and wearing comfortable shoes may help reduce irritation. However, continued symptoms require a podiatric evaluation to identify the source and prevent further damage. Your podiatrist can develop a treatment plan based on your needs and monitor your progress during recovery. If you have ankle pain, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Jed Wells, DPM from Jed Wells, DPM Foot Specialist. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
Ankle sprains
Broken ankles
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Stress fractures
Bursitis
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Corpus Christi, TX . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

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