A neuroma, also known as a nerve tumor or pinched nerve, is a painful benign growth of nerve tissue that can occur anywhere in the body. Morton’s neuroma, a common type in the foot, involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. It brings on the sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot and stinging, burning, and numbness in the affected toes, mostly the third and fourth toes. Many people with Lenox Hill Neuromas experience pain between the toes while walking. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of neuromas.
What are the symptoms of neuromas?
Usually, neuromas cause no outward sign, such as a lamp. A neuroma’s principal or classic symptom is pain between your toes, mainly when walking. You may also feel like you are standing on a fold in your socks. Other symptoms include tingling or numbness in your toes and a burning pain in the ball of your foot, radiating into your toes. People suffering from this condition often relieve the symptoms by removing their shoes and rubbing the affected area.
Causes and risk factors of neuromas
The exact cause of this condition is unclear, but various factors can contribute to neuroma formation. They include:
- Injuries to a nerve. Nerve compression, a laceration, a crushing injury, or an excessive stretch may cause inflammation and swelling of the nerve.
- Biomechanical deformities. People with certain foot types, including a flat foot or high-arched foot, can develop neuromas. These foot types cause instability around the toe joints, contributing to the development of this condition.
- Repeated stress. This is common in many occupations and sports, including jogging and running. Sports such as rock climbing and skiing that feature tight shoes can also create or aggravate a neuroma.
- Improper footwear. Tight and high-heeled shoes are associated with the development of Morton’s neuroma. If you have to wear high-heeled shoes, consider staying within two inches since shoes above this height increase pressure on the forefoot area.
Treatment for neuroma
Treatment options vary based on the severity of each neuroma. For mild, underdeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe box is often enough treatment to relieve symptoms. Below are other home remedies that specialists recommend for mild neuromas.
- Wear shoes with enough room for your toes and low heels. Consider footwear with buckles and laces for width adjustment.
- Limit or avoid wearing high-heeled shoes over two inches since they place undue stress on your forefoot.
- Rest your foot and massage or rub the affected area to alleviate neuroma pain temporarily. You can also use an ice pack to dull the pain.
- Use over-the-counter shoe pads to relieve pressure around the affected area.
Early identification of neuroma can help avoid the need for surgery. Early treatment regimens mainly aim to relieve pressure on areas where a neuroma develops. If your condition is severe, your podiatrist may recommend additional surgery or treatment to remove the tumor.
If you have a neuroma, visit your specialist at DeLoor Podiatry Associates to establish a treatment plan that best suits your case.
