When it comes to the feet, the most common neuroma condition is Morton’s neuroma, and its name is somewhat misleading. Elsewhere in your body, neuromas are benign tumors that affect nerve tissue.
Morton’s neuroma isn’t a tumor but instead is a thickening of nerve tissue between the metatarsal bones of the third and fourth toes. This may feel as though you have a pebble in your shoe, but there’s usually no bump that you can feel on your foot.
Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, and burning pain. It’s time to seek treatment for your neuroma when pain interferes with your gait and day-to-day activities.
The neuroma specialists at Hudson Valley Foot Associates can help you get past the effects of this condition. As well as medical treatment, you may be able to reduce your symptoms with some minor lifestyle changes.
Here’s what you need to know about this sometimes troublesome foot condition.
Any condition or injury that damages, irritates, or places pressure on interdigital nerve tissue can result in Morton’s neuroma. You may have an elevated risk of the condition if you have one or more of these risk factors:
Any activity that requires extra pressure on the balls of your feet can create localized pressure that irritates interdigital nerves, the starting point for Morton’s neuroma.
For mild cases of neuroma, you may be able to reduce your symptoms at home. Use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen to ease pain and reduce swelling.
Ice packs and cold compresses can also limit inflammation while relieving pain. Rubbing your feet as pain allows can also reduce symptoms.
If possible, avoid activities and tasks that cause increased neuroma discomfort for a few weeks. This may allow swollen tissue to subside.
If you rest your feet, change your footwear, and/or modify on-your-feet activities and you still experience burning pain in the balls of your feet for more than a few days without improvement, it’s time to make an appointment with us at Hudson Valley Foot Associates.
We offer intermediate and advanced treatment for Morton’s neuroma, including anti-inflammatory steroid injections, as well as surgical solutions including cryosurgery, nerve release, and nerve removal surgery.
Contact Hudson Valley Foot Associates at the nearest of our five offices around New York’s Hudson Valley when home care doesn’t help your neuroma condition. Call or click to request your appointment today.
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