What is the Lace Bite Syndrome?
Lace Bite Syndrome is a condition caused by irritation or pressure on the front of the ankle, typically where the tongue of the shoe meets the foot. Although it’s more common in sports like hockey, it can also occur in basketball when players wear tight shoes or tie their laces too firmly. Symptoms include sharp pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling in the area above the foot and below the shin. In this article, we explain the causes of lace bite, how to recognize it early, and what adjustments can be made to footwear and habits to prevent this painful friction injury.
Definition
The syndrome of compression of the thrown shoe is a disease that is characterized by compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the retinaculum of the thrown shoe. The posterior tibial nerve is a nerve that is located in the area of the ankle and foot, and who is responsible for sensation and movement of the muscles of the leg and the foot. When this nerve is compressed, it can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the foot and the ankle.
Causes
There are different causes that can lead to compression of the posterior tibial nerve in the retinaculum of the thrown shoe. One of the more common causes is the realization of activities that involve a great effort in the area of the ankle and foot, such as running, jumping or walking on uneven surfaces. Also can be influenced by other factors, such as the type of shoe that is used, the position of the foot during activity and the individual anatomy of the patient.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of the syndrome of compression of the thrown shoe is done through the clinical examination of the patient, assessed the presence of pain, numbness, and weakness in the area of the foot and the ankle. You can also perform imaging tests, such as x-rays or an mri, to rule out other diseases that can produce similar symptoms.
Treatment
The treatment of the syndrome of compression of the thrown of the shoe may vary depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s individual needs. In mild cases, may be applied to conservative treatments, such as rest, ice, elevation of the foot, and use of appropriate footwear. You can also use braces to keep the foot in a certain position and to avoid the compression of the nerve.
In more severe cases, it may be necessary to carry out a surgery to decompress the posterior tibial nerve. The surgery involves making an incision in the retinaculum of the thrown shoe to release pressure on the nerve. After the surgery, it is important to follow a rehabilitation program adequate to recover the functionality of the foot and the ankle.
Rehabilitation
The rehabilitation of the syndrome of compression of the thrown shoe is essential to recover the functionality of the foot and the ankle after the injury. In most cases, it is recommended to perform strengthening and stretching exercises to improve flexibility and muscle strength in the affected area. Can also be used physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, electrotherapy and ultrasound therapy to speed up the recovery process.
It is important to note that the rehabilitation process can vary depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s individual needs. For this reason, it is recommended to follow the instructions of the physical therapist or sports medicine specialist in charge of the treatment.
Back to the action
Once the process of rehabilitation, it is important to carry out a series of measures to ensure a return to the action-safe and to avoid possible relapses. Some of these measures may include:
- Use of appropriate footwear: it is important to use footwear that suits the individual needs of the patient and provide a good support to the foot and the ankle.
- Control of the effort: it is advisable to start the physical activity of a gradual and controlled way, avoiding to make sudden movements or repetitive that could come back to cause injury.
- Exercise warming up and cooling down: it is important to perform warm-up exercises prior to physical activity to prepare the muscles and avoid possible injuries. It is also recommended to perform cool-down exercises after the activity to avoid the accumulation of muscle fatigue.
- Maintenance of the musculature: once the time of injury, it is important to maintain a good musculature in the area of the foot and ankle to prevent possible relapses. This can be achieved through the implementation of specific exercises to strengthen and stretch.
Note: this article only has informational use. In no case should self-diagnose. In case of doubt, go and see your Physiotherapy clinic trusted
Cedric Arregui Guivarch
National Coach of Basketball (CES 2014)
Bibliography and webgrafía
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- Alvarez R, et al. (2016). Diagnosis and treatment of posterior tibial nerve entrapment neuropathy (tarsal tunnel syndrome). Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 106(4), 273-281.
- American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Retrieved from https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/tarsal-tunnel-syndrome
- Official college of Physiotherapists of Catalonia. Syndrome of compression of the thrown shoe.
- Clínica CEMTRO. Syndrome tarsal tunnel or compression of the posterior tibial nerve.
- Spanish society of Sports Traumatology. Foot injury in the sport.
- Arancibia M, et al. (2015). Physical therapy in the syndrome of the tarsal tunnel.
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