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As you head out for your morning run, make sure your feet are in tip-top shape before beginning your exercise regimen. If you exhibit pain, burning, tingling, or numbness between your toes and in the ball of your foot, you may have a neuroma. Neuromas are often described as nerve tumors, involving swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. Foot neuromas typically occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. Over time, the nerve becomes thickened and swollen, which may cause symptoms of pain, numbness, stinging, or burning in the toes, preventing you from performing your daily activities to your fullest ability. What are Neuromas? A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes and is also known as intermetatarsal neuroma. An intermetatarsal neuroma may occur between any toes of the foot. The thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The compression creates an enlargement of the nerve, which may lead to permanent nerve damage. 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 Anything that may cause irritation or compression of your foot nerve may lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common causes 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. People who have certain foot deformities â€" bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or more flexible feet â€" are at a higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes include activities that involve repeated irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or sprinting. Relief from Painful Neuromas If you have a neuroma, it may help to wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, as well as low heels and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment. It is also important to wear shoes with thick, shock absorbent soles and proper insoles that are designed to keep excessive pressure off of your foot. High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place a great amount of stress on the forefoot and can contribute to a number of foot problems. When possible, resting your foot and massaging the affected area can provide temporary relief from the neuroma pain. Using an ice pack will also help to dull the pain and improve comfort. Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma early in its development is important to avoid the need for surgical correction. The primary goal of treatment is to relieve pressure on areas where a neuroma develops. Contact your Chicago podiatrist if you are experiencing pain in your foot. Early diagnosis and treatment can potentially save you more pain.
Sean Hartmen writes for Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd., Chicago podiatrists. Offering an array of specialized treatments for foot and ankle conditions, such as treating nail fungus, Six Corners Medical Center, podiatrist in Chicago, is equipped to handle any podiatric need.
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