Symptoms are usually worse as the day goes on and may be relieved by elevating (raising) your foot, rest or massage. We are not talking sweet gentle massage here–You want deep pressure into the muscles in the arch of your foot to really “get into” the muscle.

Injury to your foot or ankle can cause TTS, possibly because of scar tissue that develops. People with flat feet can also develop Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome because walking flat-footed puts a strain on the muscles of the arch. The muscle in the arch of your foot can press on the nerve that causes the TTS symptoms.  That’s what causes the symptoms.

If you do have flat feet or fallen arches, a custom orthotic (arch support) or good rigid arch support may relieve your symptoms.  Arch supports can be used along with therapeutic massage.

I am not a doctor but my first recommendation is always the one that causes the least trauma or change to a body. That would be deep tissue massage and trigger point massage,  in most cases.

Probably 90% of our pain is caused by muscles so that is generally my first plan of attack. On the other hand, sometimes surgery is required, for example, to remove a bone chip. On the other hand, sometimes it LOOKS like a bone chip or other situation when tests are examined but treating the muscles with massage or a cortisone shot relieves the pain of the “bone chip.”

If you have normal strength and movement in your body, hands & arms, you may be able to press deeply into your arch muscles. If you cannot apply enough pressure yourself (if you can’t “hurt” yourself enough) then interview professional massage therapists to find one who is familiar with TTS and can treat it.

Go into the “Massage” Category here at http://SimplePainRelief.com to learn how to find a massage therapist who can actually help you.

If you have surgery scheduled, you may want to postpone your surgery for a month to give yourself the chance to have your symptoms treated by a massage therapist. You should know within a couple of sessions. Once more I will tell you: Manual therapy (massage) with pressure into tight muscles will not be comfortable but may make a world of difference!

If you go the massage route, your therapist may look at your arches, your posture, the muscles in your lower back and gluteals (butt) and may treat all of those areas as well as your calves.  Tight calf muscles can cause pain in the heel, too.