neuromas

What is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a MORTON'S Neuroma, this ailment starts when the outer shell of the nerve in your foot thickens. This thickness is generally caused by friction that results from two bones continuously rubbing together. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue usually found between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation, cramping, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.

The major symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while ambulating. Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and massaging the affected area. Some of the patients will describe the pain as having a stone in his or her shoe. The majority of people who develop neuromas are women.

Symptoms

Pain in the forefoot and between the toes.
Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot.
Swelling between the toes.

How Do You Get a Neuroma?

Neuromas are often seen in people who wear tight-fitting shoes. Biomechanical deformities, such as a high-arched foot or a flat foot, can lead to the formation of a neuroma. These foot types bring on instability around the toe joints, leading to the development of the condition. Trauma can cause damage to the nerve, resulting in inflammation or swelling of the nerve. Avoid high-heeled shoes. Repeated stress can create or aggravate a neuroma.

How Do You Get Relief?

Wear the correct shoes. Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles and proper insoles that are designed too keep excessive pressure off of the foot.

High heels should be avoided, they place undue strain on the forefoot and can contribute to a number of foot problems. Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily relieve neuroma pain. Use ice to help dull the pain and improve comfort. For simple, undeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe box is often adequate treatment to relieve symptoms, allowing the condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, however, podiatric medical treatment or surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

Treatment by Your Podiatric Physician

Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma early in its development is important to avoid surgical correction. Podiatric medical care should be sought at the first sign of pain or discomfort; if left untreated, neuromas tend to get worse.

The primary goal is to relieve pressure on areas where a neuroma develops. Your podiatric physician will examine and X-ray the affected area and suggest a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone shots can be prescribed to ease pain and inflammation caused by the neuroma.

Orthotics: Custom molded orthotics or digitally scanned shoe inserts made by your podiatrist may be useful in controlling foot structure. An orthotic device may reduce symptoms and prevent irritation to the nerve.

Surgical Options: When early treatments fail and the neuroma progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary. The procedure, which removes the inflamed and enlarged nerve, can usually be conducted on an outpatient basis, with a recovery time that is often just a few weeks. Your podiatric physician will thoroughly describe the surgical procedures to be used and the results you can expect. Any pain following surgery is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatrist.

Your Feet Aren’t Supposed to Hurt

Remember that foot pain is not normal, and any disruption in foot function limits your freedom and mobility. It is important to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist at the first sign of pain or discomfort in your feet, and follow proper maintenance guidelines to ensure their proper health for the rest of your life.

Neuroma Tips

Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment.
Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles and proper insoles that are designed to keep excessive pressure off of the foot.
High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place undue strain on the forefoot and can contribute to a number of foot problems.
Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate neuroma pain. Use an ice pack to help to dull the pain and improve comfort.
For simple, undeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe box is often adequate treatment to relieve symptoms, allowing the condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, however, podiatric medical treatment or surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.
Use over-the-counter shoe pads. These pads can relieve pressure around the affected area.