Our feet have a lot of miles on them! It’s important to take care of our foot health to avoid long-term damage like a neuroma.
At Manhattan Podiatry Associates, PC, your neuroma care is in good hands! Our specialists are experienced in podiatric medicine and foot and ankle rehabilitation and can diagnose and treat neuromas with a comprehensive treatment plan. New York City patients can visit either of our two convenient locations in Midtown Manhattan and Downtown Manhattan.
A neuroma is caused by a pinched nerve. It’s a growth of nerve tissue found between the third and fourth toe.
A neuroma is often coupled with pain or a burning sensation. You may even experience numbness in more severe cases. How do you know you have a neuroma? A key symptom is pain between your toes, especially while walking.
There is often more than one cause of neuroma. Biomechanical deformities, such as an arched or flat foot, can lead to neuroma. When your foot has limited mobility around the toe joints, it can cause significant pressure, leading to the beginning stages of neuroma.
Nerve trauma can result in inflammation and swelling. Over time, pressure mounts and can cause the “pinched nerve” feeling.
Improper footwear is another leading cause of neuroma. Wearing tightly fitting shoes that squeeze your toes together is both uncomfortable and problematic to the nerves. Avoiding shoes that are higher than two inches or shoes that increase pressure is highly recommended.
Lastly, occupations or sporting activities that require constant stress on your feet can lead to neuroma. Pressure, tightness, and even stress can aggravate a neuroma. Jogging puts consistent pressure on your feet.
Increased pressure can lead to a breakdown of the joints and nerves, causing consistent overstimulation and aggravation to your foot. Limiting exercise or taking an aerobic break from time to time can work in your favor.
Identifying neuromas early is key. Early detection may prevent future surgical intervention.
Early treatment might look like a thorough examination of your foot, followed by an X-ray. In minor cases, a neuroma may diminish over time. A simple fix may be switching your shoe brand, size, or fit.
In more severe cases, surgery may be required. Removal of the nerve may be necessary to relieve your foot pain. Surgery may result in permanent numbness, so we consider all options before recommending your treatment plan.
Steroid injections may help relieve pain or even remove pain altogether. This is also a preventive measure, meaning mild cases of neuroma may be temporarily relieved by steroid injections. If you’re not a candidate for steroid injections, we also offer alcohol injections that are approved to treat neuroma. Your provider will work with you to determine the best course of treatment.
Decompression therapy can help relieve pressure by cutting nerve structures and binding together bones in your foot.
Acute neuroma can be temporarily relieved with padding, taping, and orthotics. Special padding on the ball of your foot can relieve pressure caused by the neuroma. Orthotics, better known as custom shoe inserts, can control foot function and prevent your symptoms from intensifying.
A well-fitted shoe with the proper amount of pressure can also decrease the likelihood of you developing a neuroma. Your podiatrist may recommend a custom shoe fitting to ensure you aren’t putting too much pressure between your toes.
If it’s time to get your foot pain under control, schedule an appointment at Manhattan Podiatry Associates, PC. Call our office most convenient to you or book an appointment online to explore neuroma treatment options today.
