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Do you have pain, burning, tingling, or numbness between your toes and in the ball of your foot? If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may have a neuroma of your foot. Neuromas are often described as nerve tumors, but they are more a swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. The most common form of neuromas is called Morton's neuroma, which can feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or sock. It is not certain what causes a neuroma, but it does appear to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. The growth that develops is a part of your body's natural response to the irritation of your foot. What is a Neuroma? A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that is frequently found between the third and fourth toes, although can develop in other various parts of your body. Symptoms of a neuroma of the foot may include:
• Pain in the forefoot and between the toes
• Tingling and numbness of the ball of the foot
• Swelling between the toes
• Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it The exact cause of a neuroma is unclear, but a number of factors can contribute to the formation of a neuroma. The thickening and enlargement of the nerve that defines the neuroma may be the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. Compression creates enlargement of the nerve and eventually leads to permanent damage. Anything that may cause irritation or compression of your nerve appears to lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common causes in the development is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. The constant force of your toes in the shoes can cause pain and lead to a painful neuroma.
The progression of a Morton's neuroma can frequently follow this pattern:
• Symptoms may begin gradually and occur occasionally when wearing narrow-toed shoes.
• Your ailments may also go away temporarily by removing your shoe, massaging your foot or avoiding tight shoes.
• Over time your symptoms may progressively worsen and persist for days or even weeks.
• As the neuroma enlarges, the symptoms may become more intense and the changes become permanent. Find Relief for your Neuroma With the onset of a neuroma there are several different options for bringing relief to your painful foot. Make sure you wear shoes with plenty of room for your toes to move around, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment. Resting your foot and massaging the affected area may also bring relief to your neuroma pain. An ice-pack will also help to dull the pain and improve your comfort. When or if your neuroma becomes too unbearable for you to handle or at-home-treatments do not help alleviate your pain, a consultation with your podiatrist may be needed. Your Norman and Edmond podiatrist, Dr. Buksh, will examine your foot and create an appropriate treatment plan depending on the severity of your neuroma. Identifying a neuroma in its early development is important to avoid surgical treatment. Seek the attention of your podiatrist at the first onset of pain or discomfort.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Ahmed Buksh, a leading podiatrist in Norman and Edmond. Specializing in services such as heel pain, foot surgery and Norman neuroma, patients turn to Dr. Buksh for all of their foot and ankle health care needs.
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