Podiatry Blog | Podiatrist, Foot Doctor Manalapan NJ 07726

Symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tuesday, 10 November 2026

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that develops when the posterior tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space inside the ankle called the tarsal tunnel. This nerve helps provide sensation to the bottom of the foot and toes, so pressure can interfere with normal nerve function. Symptoms include burning pain that travels from the inner ankle into the foot. Some people experience numbness or tingling that becomes more noticeable after standing or walking for long periods.

Several problems can contribute to tarsal tunnel syndrome by placing pressure on the tibial nerve. Foot and ankle deformities, including flat feet, may stretch the nerve or narrow the available space. Ankle sprains can cause swelling that increases pressure within the tunnel. Other possible causes include cysts, enlarged veins, and inflammatory conditions that affect nearby tissues. Diabetes and other conditions that affect nerve health can complicate symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis especially important.

Recognizing tarsal tunnel syndrome early can help prevent ongoing discomfort. Pain may feel sharp or electric, and numbness can spread across the sole or toes. Symptoms sometimes worsen during activity and improve with rest, although persistent cases may cause discomfort even while sitting. A podiatrist will review your medical history and examine the foot and ankle for tenderness, sensation changes, and possible structural problems. Additional testing, such as nerve studies or imaging, may help identify compression and rule out other causes of foot pain.

Treatment depends on what is irritating the nerve. A podiatrist may recommend supportive footwear, custom orthotics, or medication to reduce inflammation. Treating an underlying deformity may also relieve pressure. Severe cases that do not improve with conservative care may require surgery to release the compressed nerve. If you have symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat this condition.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome can be very uncomfortable to live with. If you are experiencing tarsal tunnel syndrome, contact Dr. Charles Marchese of Manalapan Foot & Ankle. 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 Manalapan, NJ . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Diabetes Awareness Month

Thursday, 05 November 2026

Diabetes can effect the foot. A diabetic foot check up or a Diabetic Comprehensive Foot Exam can literally save your feet. Diabetes can significantly affect foot health due to 2 primary factors. Nerve damage (Neuropathy) and damage to blood vessel (decreased circulation). Ulcers occur in 15% of patients with diabetes. Every 3 minutes and 30 seconds a limb is amputated to diabetes. Don’t be a statistic, get checked today with a DCFE that includes the assessment of circulation, nerves, skin, nails and Biomechanics

Athlete’s Foot and Podiatric Care

Tuesday, 03 November 2026

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that causes uncomfortable changes to the feet. It develops when fungus grows in warm, damp conditions, especially between the toes. The infection can also affect the soles and heels, where skin becomes dry and flaky. Symptoms include itching, redness, and peeling skin. Some patients develop blisters or painful cracks. Athlete’s foot can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces. Public showers, swimming pools, and changing rooms are places where the fungus can spread. Despite its name, this infection affects more than athletes.

The appearance of athlete’s foot depends on where the infection develops. Skin between the toes may look white and soggy, while the heels can become rough and scaly. Cracks in the skin sometimes make standing or walking uncomfortable. The fungus can spread to the toenails, causing them to become thick or yellow. Nail infections can be harder to clear than skin infections. Athlete’s foot can spread to other areas of the body through contact. People with sweaty feet face a greater risk because moisture encourages fungal growth. Persistent symptoms deserve attention before the infection becomes more difficult to treat.

A podiatrist can examine the affected skin and determine whether athlete’s foot is causing the symptoms. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the infection. A podiatrist can recommend an antifungal cream or spray and explain how long treatment should continue. More severe infections can require prescription antifungal tablets. When the fungus reaches the toenails, a podiatrist can assess the nails and reduce their thickness to support treatment. The podiatrist can identify factors that encourage repeated infections and discuss ways to lower future risk. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment, which may include prescribed medication.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is often an uncomfortable condition to experience. Thankfully, podiatrists specialize in treating athlete’s foot and offer the best treatment options. If you have any questions about athlete’s foot, consult with Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a non-serious and common fungal infection of the foot. Athlete’s foot is contagious and can be contracted by touching someone who has it or infected surfaces. The most common places contaminated by it are public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Once contracted, it grows on feet that are left inside moist, dark, and warm shoes and socks.

Prevention

The most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot include:

Thoroughly washing and drying feet
Avoid going barefoot in locker rooms and public showers
Using shower shoes in public showers
Wearing socks that allow the feet to breathe
Changing socks and shoes frequently if you sweat a lot

Symptoms

Athlete’s foot initially occurs as a rash between the toes. However, if left undiagnosed, it can spread to the sides and bottom of the feet, toenails, and if touched by hand, the hands themselves. Symptoms include:

Redness
Burning
Itching
Scaly and peeling skin

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is quick and easy. Skin samples will be taken and either viewed under a microscope or sent to a lab for testing. Sometimes, a podiatrist can diagnose it based on simply looking at it. Once confirmed, treatment options include oral and topical antifungal medications.

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

Heel Pain Can Be Treated!

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Do you suffer from heel pain when you get up in the morning? If so, you should seek professional help and have a proper diagnosis performed. Heel pain can be caused by several different foot-related conditions.

Obesity Can Increase Foot Pain and Injury Risk

Tuesday, 27 October 2026

The feet support the body’s full weight with every step, so excess weight can place greater pressure on bones, joints, and soft tissues. This added strain can change how the feet spread and move when walking. It can also affect balance and make activity uncomfortable. Heel pain, arch pain, and ankle pain can develop when the feet must manage greater force. Extra pressure can also contribute to corns, calluses, and bunions. Joint stiffness or swelling may make standing and movement more difficult. When discomfort limits activity, managing weight can become more challenging, creating a cycle of pain and reduced movement.

Obesity is linked to several foot conditions. Plantar fasciitis causes pain where a strong band of tissue supports the arch and connects to the heel. Added pressure can irritate this tissue and make the first steps after rest especially painful. Excess weight can also increase stress on the ankles and raise the risk of osteoarthritis, which develops as joint cartilage breaks down. Gout, a painful form of arthritis that frequently affects the big-toe joint, is also associated with obesity. People who are obese also have a higher risk of type 2 diabetes. This condition can damage nerves and reduce blood flow, allowing wounds to develop or worsen without clear warning signs.

A podiatrist can examine the feet and identify areas receiving too much pressure. Treatment includes custom orthotics to improve weight distribution and provide support. A podiatrist can recommend well-fitted shoes and provide care for corns or calluses. Treatment for heel pain can reduce strain and improve movement. Patients with diabetes can receive foot examinations to detect skin damage, reduced feeling, or circulation concerns early. Addressing foot pain can help patients stay active. If you have foot or ankle pain related to being overweight, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The more you weigh, the harder your feet must work to support your body. If you’re an obese individual and are concerned about your feet, contact Dr. Charles Marchese from Manalapan Foot & Ankle. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Obesity and Your Feet

People who are overweight are putting more pressure on their ankles, knees, and hips as well as their feet. This unfortunately can lead to variety of different issues.

Problems & Complications Stemming from Obesity

When the body is overweight, it tries to compensate by changing the way that it moves. An obese person may lean forward and put extra weight on the wrong part of the foot. This puts unnecessary stress on the feet.
Obese people are also more likely to develop type II diabetes which is a condition that causes a lot of foot problems. People with diabetes often don’t feel the cuts and sores that they may have on their feet, which can lead to more complicated and severe issues.
Plantar fasciitis is another foot condition that can be caused by obesity. Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot, which causes pain and stiffness while walking and climbing stairs.

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

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