Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome (numb foot)

[Jisch]

I seemed to have developed Anterior tarsal tunnel syndrome from back country skiing. It looks like I compressed a nerve in the top of my foot which makes the top of my foot numb all the time. Its been numb for about 3 weeks now.

I was able to diagnose it via the 'net, but the cures I found all involve surgery. Having a numb foot is not that big of a deal, but curious if anyone else has had this issue and if it resolves itself over time (after ski season is over).

John

 

[WWF-VT]

I think you should let a doctor make the diagnoses rather than the 'net.

 

[Jisch]

Understood. I like to go to the doctor with a solid understanding of what is going on, so I can be part of an intelligent conversation. I find most doctors to be pretty ill-informed about sports related injuries, so the more I know going in the better. I use the 'net to get myself informed and to understand just how serious this might be. If, after doing my research, I think this is in any way life or limb threatening, I'm going to the doctor.

With this particular injury I'm trying to determine if its something that will get worse or cause long term damage, hence my post.

 

[Glenn]

I sometimes get that...but it's most of my foot; not just the top. I find that stretching helps considerably. I usually stretch on the floor nightly...just as we settle down to watch a little TV.

 

[WoodCore]

Did you consider visiting a chiropractor?

 

[powers]

Check with a medically trained/educated boot fitting specialist. They should be able to figure out what caused the problem and should be able to fix your boots. At the same time it would be worth seeing specialist/podiatrist to se if you have any damage. Are you using a custom foot bed? Foot/ankle alignment is critical in keeping pressure off sore spots and to promote proper function. I bought Dalbello Virus boots last year and half way thru the day my left foot went numb. It felt like I was skiing with a wooden foot on Mt. Washington. Ruined the day. Some rest and proper fitting has fixed it.

 

[Jisch]

Good info Powers - thanks! I only have numbness across the top of my foot - I actually think that I tightened that boot too much during one session. That would suck to have it be my whole foot and have it impact my skiing, right now its not impacting skiing at all. These are BC boots - half leather, half plastic, but I guess they can/should be fitting properly.

John