Injury and Repetitive strain may cause Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, but there are other causes that may need a more constitutional homeopathic approach.
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What is TTS?
Tarsal tunnel syndrome is brought on by compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. It is characterized by a range of symptoms including tingling, electric shock-like sensations, radiating pains, burning, chilliness, numbness, “pins and needles”, cramping, heightened sensitivity and a build-up of fluid in the foot.
What causes it?
Over exertion and standing for lengthy periods can make these symptoms worse, which is why it often an occupational hazard and also affects athletes. There are many possible causes for TTS and it is always helpful to know the etiology, as this will have an impact on how you deal with it.
For instance a pinched lumbar or sacral nerve can lead to TTS and this would be best addressed by visiting a chiropractor or osteopath. Another factor is having flat feet, where orthotics may be needed. If the complaint came on after taking a new pharmaceutical drug then it could be iatrogenic (a side effect of the medication.)
A common cause of TTS is injury, such as a broken or sprained ankle or a repetitive strain type injury that has affected the joint, muscles or tendons.
Why choose Homeopathy for TTS?
Homeopathy can be of great help and bring about healing that is rapid, effective and safe.
Injuries
The four most commonly needed injury remedies for TTS are Arnica, Hypericum, Rhus tox and Ruta.
Arnica is a great trauma remedy for bruising and shock. Use when the area feels weak, strained and swollen and the pain is stitching.
Hypericum is the specific for injury to a nerve with shooting pains.
Rhus tox is a wonderful remedy for sprains in general, and is particularly helpful if you have stinging pain in your left heel.
Ruta is the go-to remedy for damage to ligaments, tendons, the tendon sheath and the tarsal joint. The area feels bruised and there may also be paralysis of the tarsal joint. Other factors that can reduce the space in the Tarsal Tunnel include:
Bone spurs
These can be relieved by supplementing with Calc fluor 6x (tissue cell salts) 4 pills three times a day ( unlike all the other remedies mentioned here that are best taken on an “as needed” basis.) Another homeopathic specific for bone spurs is Hekla lava.
Ganglions
Ganglions on flexor tendons respond well to Ruta.
3 Golden rules for using homeopathy at home
- Match your symptoms to the most similar remedy, having a homeopathy kit helps.
- Take one dose. Only repeat if you had benefit, but later your symptoms returned.
- Stick to a 30c potency (strength) for home use.
Read the following descriptions to see if one of these remedies closely matches what you are experiencing.
Apis – electric shock through toes, with redness, heat, swelling, stinging pains
Arg nit – easy bending and straining of tarsal joint with violent, throbbing pain
Belladonna – burning, tingling, itching, right sided, worse walking
Hepar sulph – stiff, numb, drawing, burning
Lachesis – drawing (pulling) pain, worse on the left side
Ledum – swollen feet, rigid on waking, pain on stepping
Lycopodium – pricking pain in the heel, sprained sensation, burning feet, soles are painful, worse for walking
Merc viv – swelling, right foot, painful to touch(consider having dental amalgams removed if this remedy works well for you, as it may indicate that you have mercury poisoning.)
Nat mur – bruised, gone to sleep sensation
Sulph – Burning and itching in the soles. Swelling of the feet – from warmth of the bed. Great heaviness in the feet, especially in the tarsal joints. Coldness and stiffness of the toes, with tingling of the tips.
Constitutional treatment may be needed
Sometimes TTS is part of a wider, systemic symptom picture. For instance there could be a generalized tendency to benign tumors and cysts or varicose veins. There may be signs of pre-diabetes, or diabetes, and neuropathy. These causes are more complex and are best treated by a professional and experienced homeopath. The homeopath will work in depth with you to find a remedy that addresses the whole picture, not just the TTS.
Read here how one of my client’s cysts disappeared with no other intervention other than homeopathy.