Tarsal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels through the tarsal tunnel, a narrow passageway in the ankle. This tunnel, similar to the carpal tunnel in the wrist, allows tendons, nerves, and blood vessels to reach the foot. When the nerve is compressed, motor function can be affected, leading to weakness of the intrinsic foot muscles and difficulty with normal movement. Symptoms may include burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain along the ankle or bottom of the foot. A podiatrist can diagnose the condition, relieve pressure on the nerve, and improve function through custom orthotics, and targeted treatment. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is suggested that you promptly consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and relief solutions.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM of Gerald Mauriello, DPM. 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 Belvidere, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Pain in the big toe can be a sign of gout, a type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals within the joint. When this acid accumulates faster than the body can eliminate it, sharp crystals form around the base of the big toe, known as the metatarsophalangeal, or MTP, joint. A gout flare-up often appears suddenly, producing intense pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the MTP joint. It can become so tender that even light contact from a bedsheet feels painful. Repeated episodes can damage joint tissues and lead to visible lumps called tophi, which form beneath the skin near the toe or ankle. A podiatrist can examine your foot, order imaging tests or joint fluid analysis, and recommend a treatment plan to reduce pain and protect long-term joint health. If you have flare-ups of big toe pain, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Gout is a foot condition that requires certain treatment and care. If you are seeking treatment, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is Gout?

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid in the bloodstream. It often develops in the foot, especially the big toe area, although it can manifest in other parts of the body as well. Gout can make walking and standing very painful and is especially common in diabetics and the obese.

People typically get gout because of a poor diet. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. The children of parents who have had gout frequently have a chance of developing it themselves.

Gout can easily be identified by redness and inflammation of the big toe and the surrounding areas of the foot. Other symptoms include extreme fatigue, joint pain, and running high fevers. Sometimes corticosteroid drugs can be prescribed to treat gout, but the best way to combat this disease is to get more exercise and eat a better diet.

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

High heels place significant stress on the feet by altering natural posture and shifting weight onto the forefoot. This increased pressure on the metatarsal heads often leads to pain across the ball of the foot and strain in the toes. The elevated heel forces the ankle into a pointed position, which shortens the Achilles tendon over time and increases tension along the calf and heel. Wearing high heels also affects the arch of the foot, sometimes leading to flattening or instability, which can contribute to midfoot discomfort. Prolonged use makes balance more difficult and raises the risk of falls or ankle sprains due to the narrowed base of support. Chronic wear has also been linked to bunions, hammertoes, and nerve irritation between the toes. A podiatrist can evaluate these issues, recommend strategies to reduce long-term damage, and provide the appropriate treatment. If you have foot pain after wearing high heels, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

High heels have a history of causing foot and ankle problems. If you have any concerns about your feet or ankles, contact Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Effects of High Heels on the Feet

High heels are popular shoes among women because of their many styles and societal appeal.  Despite this, high heels can still cause many health problems if worn too frequently.

Which Parts of My Body Will Be Affected by High Heels?

• Ankle Joints
• Achilles Tendon – May shorten and stiffen with prolonged wear
• Balls of the Feet
• Knees – Heels cause the knees to bend constantly, creating stress on them
• Back – They decrease the spine’s ability to absorb shock, which may lead to back pain.  The vertebrae of the lower back may compress.

What Kinds of Foot Problems Can Develop from Wearing High Heels?

• Corns
• Calluses
• Hammertoe
• Bunions
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Plantar Fasciitis

How Can I Still Wear High Heels and Maintain Foot Health?

If you want to wear high heeled shoes, make sure that you are not wearing them every day, as this will help prevent long term physical problems.  Try wearing thicker heels as opposed to stilettos to distribute weight more evenly across the feet.  Always make sure you are wearing the proper shoes for the right occasion, such as sneakers for exercising.  If you walk to work, try carrying your heels with you and changing into them once you arrive at work.  Adding inserts to your heels can help cushion your feet and absorb shock. Full foot inserts or metatarsal pads are available. 

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

Inner foot pain often develops from problems involving the posterior tibial tendon, which helps support the arch and stabilize the ankle. When this tendon becomes inflamed or weakened, pain or swelling along the inside of the ankle and foot may develop. This is especially true while walking or standing for long periods of time. As the tendon deteriorates, it can lead to the flattening of the arch, stiffness, and difficulty standing on tiptoes. Causes of posterior tibial tendinitis include repetitive stress from activities like running, prior ankle injuries, flat feet, and obesity. In more advanced cases, damage to the tendon may progress to partial or complete tearing, and result in significant deformity and limited mobility. A podiatrist can evaluate the severity of the condition, recommend appropriate treatment, and determine whether surgery may be needed. If you have pain in the inner side of the foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate treatment.

Foot Pain

Foot pain can be extremely painful and debilitating. If you have a foot pain, consult with Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Causes

Foot pain is a very broad condition that could be caused by one or more ailments. The most common include:

• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Bone Spurs
• Corns
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Ingrown Toenails
• Arthritis (such as Gout, Rheumatoid, and Osteoarthritis)
• Flat Feet
• Injury (from stress fractures, broken toe, foot, ankle, Achilles tendon ruptures, and sprains)
• And more

Diagnosis

To figure out the cause of foot pain, podiatrists utilize several different methods. This can range from simple visual inspections and sensation tests to X-rays and MRI scans. Prior medical history, family medical history, and any recent physical traumatic events will all be taken into consideration for a proper diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the cause of the foot pain. Whether it is resting, staying off the foot, or having surgery; podiatrists have a number of treatment options available for foot pain.

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

Numbness in the feet can range from temporary and harmless to a sign of a more serious condition. Numb feet often result from pressure on nerves, such as sitting with the legs crossed or wearing shoes that lack adequate support, which can temporarily disrupt nerve signals. More persistent numbness may be linked to peripheral neuropathy, a condition that develops when nerves in the feet are damaged, leading to tingling, burning, or loss of feeling. Reduced blood flow is another common cause of numb feet, as conditions like peripheral artery disease may limit oxygen supply to the nerves and tissues of the feet. In some cases, spinal problems, such as a herniated disc, can also interfere with nerve pathways to the feet, causing sensory changes. A podiatrist can evaluate the cause of foot numbness, provide treatment to protect foot health, and help prevent complications. If you are experiencing frequent foot numbness, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for an exam and appropriate  treatment.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy can be a potentially serious condition, especially if it is left undiagnosed. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing nerve loss in your feet, consult with Gerald Mauriello, DPM from Gerald Mauriello, DPM. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment for neuropathy.

What Is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that leads to damage to the nerves in the body. Peripheral neuropathy, or neuropathy that affects your peripheral nervous system, usually occurs in the feet. Neuropathy can be triggered by a number of different causes. Such causes include diabetes, infections, cancers, disorders, and toxic substances.

Symptoms of Neuropathy Include:

• Numbness
• Sensation loss
• Prickling and tingling sensations
• Throbbing, freezing, burning pains
• Muscle weakness

Those with diabetes are at serious risk due to being unable to feel an ulcer on their feet. Diabetics usually also suffer from poor blood circulation. This can lead to the wound not healing, infections occurring, and the limb may have to be amputated.

Treatment

To treat neuropathy in the foot, podiatrists will first diagnose the cause of the neuropathy. Figuring out the underlying cause of the neuropathy will allow the podiatrist to prescribe the best treatment, whether it be caused by diabetes, toxic substance exposure, infection, etc. If the nerve has not died, then it’s possible that sensation may be able to return to the foot.

Pain medication may be issued for pain. Electrical nerve stimulation can be used to stimulate nerves. If the neuropathy is caused from pressure on the nerves, then surgery may be necessary.

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