Effective Medical Devices for Treating Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Getting Back to the Movement You Love

At MOLO Therapy, we believe movement you love is therapy. But when movement becomes painful—especially from something as sneaky and stubborn as Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS)—it can hijack your ability to walk, train, or even stand without irritation. That’s why understanding TTS and having the right strategy to treat it matters—so you can reclaim your steps, your strength, and your lifestyle.

What Is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it travels behind the medial ankle through a space called the tarsal tunnel. Think of it like carpal tunnel in your foot—where inflammation, pressure, or structural issues crowd the nerve and interfere with its ability to do its job. Left unchecked, it can create burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain that makes walking miserable.

What Causes It?

• Post-Injury Scarring: Ankle sprains, fractures, or surgeries can leave behind fibrotic tissue that entraps the nerve.

• Biomechanics Gone Wrong: Flat feet and overpronation put excessive stretch and compression on the nerve.

• Inflammatory Conditions: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis can contribute to nerve swelling.

• Space Fillers: Cysts or swollen veins can physically press on the nerve.

• Unknown Causes: Many people develop TTS without a clear explanation—but their movement still suffers.

Why Early Intervention Matters

The earlier you intervene, the less chance this becomes a chronic problem. At MOLO, our philosophy is to treat, train, and teach. We use SoftWave therapy to treat the irritated nerve, correct dysfunctional movement patterns, and guide you through strategies that keep symptoms from returning.

Best Tools for TTS Recovery (The MOLO Way)

We don’t just mask pain—we focus on restoring function, reducing sensitivity, and getting you back to movement you love. Here are five powerful tools we integrate into care.

1. SoftWave Therapy: Non-Invasive Nerve Decompression

SoftWave is our first-line tool. Unlike traditional focused shockwave therapy, SoftWave uses a broad-focused energy field that penetrates deeply without damaging tissue.

How It Works:

• Breaks down scar tissue restricting the nerve.

• Calms inflammation.

• Boosts blood flow and nerve regeneration (via VEGF and Schwann cell activation).

• Improves sensory recovery and decreases pain.

🧠 Translation: We're teaching the nerve to breathe again—freeing it from mechanical stress and restoring its ability to communicate with your foot.

Why We Love It: It's non-invasive, requires no downtime, and helps people avoid steroids, pills, and surgery. In studies, it's shown to improve nerve conduction and reduce pain significantly.

2. Custom Orthotics: Rewriting Your Foot’s Story

If your foot collapses or overpronates, it stretches the tibial nerve every time you take a step. That adds up to thousands of daily micro-stressors.

Orthotics Can:

• Support your medial arch and ankle mechanics.

• Reduce repetitive nerve irritation.

• Help distribute pressure more evenly.

🧠 Translation: When your foot is better aligned, the nerve isn't being tugged like a rope at every step.

3. Bracing and Splints: Temporary Relief for Movement Reset

These aren't long-term solutions, but in the early stages, they calm things down.

Options Include:

• Night Splints: Reduce nighttime nerve irritation.

• CAM Walkers or UCBL Braces: Stabilize and control pronation during walking.

• Casts: Rarely used, but can offload the nerve in acute flares.

🧠 Translation: Use these like crutches for your nerve—temporary support while we reset your foundation.

4. Pulsed Radiofrequency (PRF): Targeted Nerve Modulation

For severe or unresponsive cases, PRF can be a game-changer. It delivers controlled electrical pulses to calm overactive nerves—without damaging them.

Benefits:

• Reduces nerve pain and sensitivity.

• Improves function without motor weakness.

• Non-destructive and outpatient.

🧠 Translation: It's like resetting your nerve's pain alarm without cutting the wires.

5. Ultrasound Therapy: Mobilize, Heal, and Guide

Ultrasound is both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. We use it to mobilize stuck tissue and enhance circulation around the nerve.

Why It Works:

• Breaks down fibrosis that limits nerve gliding.

• Increases oxygen and metabolic healing.

• Improves tissue extensibility to support movement retraining.

🧠 Translation: Think of this as giving the nerve a well-lubricated slide instead of a gritty, friction-filled tunnel.

The MOLO Difference: More Than Devices

SoftWave Therapy is a cornerstone, but it’s not the only stone in our garden. At MOLO, we pair treatments with strategic movement:

• Nerve glides to mobilize the nerve without overstretching it

• Strength training to restore foot and ankle control

• Education to help you spot early warning signs and avoid setbacks

Your goal isn’t just to feel better—it’s to move better, live better, and get back to what makes you feel most alive.

Ready to Walk Pain-Free Again?

At SoftWave by Molotherapy, we help people recover from TTS and other nerve-related issues without pills, punctures, or surgery. We believe your feet were made to move—and it’s our job to help you do just that.

With Shocking Regards,

Derek Parker

📍 Located in Columbia, MO

📞 (573) 777-9779

🌐 www.softwavebymolotherapy.com