Walking around with a pebble in your shoe can be awfully annoying. What if you take off your shoe and give it a shake, but nothing comes out? What if you run your finger through the inside of your shoe and there’s no rock at all? This could be a sign of something worse than an annoying pebble. It could be Morton's neuroma.
With this condition, one of the nerves leading to your toes is thickened. You may experience swelling. As a result, you may experience pain in the ball of your foot. You may also get tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in your toes. It is critically important to see a podiatrist experienced with treating neuromas. They can alleviate discomfort and help prevent it from coming back in the future.
Reason #1: Neuroma Diagnosis
The first reason to see a podiatrist is they can help diagnose the problem. Treatment cannot begin without a proper diagnosis. There are symptoms of foot nerve pain that you should not ignore. At first, the “pebble in the shoe” feeling might annoy you. But, it can develop into something much worse if left untreated. Correctly identifying the problem is the first step on the path to recovery.
The most common causes of neuroma are irritation or pressure on the ball of the foot. Tight-fitting shoes and high heels can contribute to this issue. Patients with higher or lower arches, hammer toes, or bunions may develop Morton’s neuroma too. With a careful examination, our podiatrists can accurately diagnose your foot problem. Then, they can help explain your best options.
Reason #2: Treatment for Neuroma
At Fixing Feet Institute, we’ve been helping patients with foot and ankle problems for years. We are dedicated to building treatment plans that actually work. These include more traditional approaches, as well as more advanced nerve treatments. Each plan is custom-tailored to each individual patient.
For treating Morton’s neuroma, some of the treatment options we may consider include:
- Custom orthotics or therapeutic shoes can cushion and reposition feet. This can alleviate pressure and encourage the nerves to return to a healthier state.
- Physical therapy can not only help to ease symptoms and relieve pain. It could also help to release a pinched or compressed nerve.
- Corticosteroid and alcohol sclerosing injections can reduce swelling.
- Therapeutic nerve blocks involve injecting an anesthetic into the affected area. This can block the nerve’s connection to the brain. This is very effective in pain relief. Pair this with other treatments for better long-term outcomes.
- Electronic signal transfer (EST) therapy uses high-frequency waves. They are very compatible with the body’s natural electrical current. So, the waves are naturally conducted by your nerves. This can decrease swelling and boost cellular metabolism.
Generally speaking, we turn to foot surgery as a last resort. It may be necessary in some cases, but our preference is often for less invasive treatments where possible. That said, peripheral nerve surgery may be the fastest and most effective option. Whatever the case, we are with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to full recovery.
Reason #3: Prevention Tips for the Future
With a neuroma diagnosis, you know what foot problem to address. With treatment, you can relieve symptoms and restore healthy function. You don’t need to feel that phantom pebble in your shoe. The third reason to see a podiatrist is to help prevent the issue from coming back. The goal is to stay happy and healthy.
Our podiatrists can suggest home care tips for helping with neuroma pain. This can reduce discomfort as you recover. Lifestyle and product changes can reduce the chances of Morton’s neuroma coming back. We can help you choose properly fitting shoes that don’t compress or contort the feet.
Other prevention tips include dietary changes and nutritional supplements. They can keep inflammation under control, preventing the nerve from swelling up again. The nerves can get the nutrients they need to keep you walking without discomfort. Soon, the phantom pebble will be a distant memory.
