A neuroma is a condition that impacts many people throughout their lives. It is a type of benign growth of nerve tissue which can occur anywhere in the body, but is most commonly experienced in the foot. Today we’re going to answer the most frequently asked questions about neuroma and share the neuroma symptoms to look out for. Should you find that you do experience any of these symptoms, you’ll want to reach out to a podiatrist in York as soon as possible to receive the support you need to relieve them.
What is Neuroma?
We define neuroma as a benign growth of nerve tissue. While this condition can occur anywhere in the body, it is most commonly found in the foot. When you start to experience neuroma, common symptoms include a burning sensation, numbness, tingling, or pain. Should you experience any symptoms of this or pain in your foot, make sure you consult a medical professional for a consultation to see what the cause of this discomfort is.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms
Now that you know the neuroma definition, you no doubt want to understand the symptoms to look out for. Pain, burning, numbness, and tingling in the ball of the foot or between your toes are the most common symptoms. You may find that this pain worsens when you wear tight or high-heeled shoes. Another sensation that many patients notice is the feeling that there is a stone in their shoe. All of these symptoms are cause for concern and may lead to a neuroma on foot diagnosis.
Causes of Neuroma
A York podiatrist will tell you that there are various causes of neuroma. Some of these are avoidable, but others unfortunately you have little control over. An injury can increase your chances of experiencing neuroma in the future. A cut, crushing of the foot, or excessive stretching can lead to nerve damage, which in turn can result in this condition. Some people are naturally born with foot deformities. Conditions such as bunions, hammertoes, high arches, and flat feet can result in nerve irritation and instability.
Causes you have more control over include the footwear you use on a daily basis. Wearing high heels or shoes that have a narrow toe box can squeeze your toes together. When these are worn on a regular basis, it can irritate your nerves and cause this condition. Also, repetitive motion, such as running and court sports, can irritate the ball of the foot and result in neuroma. It’s crucial that you wear supportive shoes at all times when exercising and playing sport to avoid long-term damage to your feet and overall health.
Treatment for Neuroma
When you work with a podiatrist in York, you’ll find there are various treatment options for neuroma. This condition can typically be treated in between one and six weeks, but this will depend on the severity of the condition. We recommend that you wear wider shoes with lower heels and a soft side. You may want to invest in custom shoe inserts or metatarsal pads, which can support you when walking around or taking part in daily activities. If you are experiencing a lot of swelling, your podiatrist may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce this issue. For a long term solution, nerve ablation can help to permanently stop pain signals and reduce the discomfort you are feeling.
Looking After Your Feet and Health
With so many foot neuroma causes, it’s easy to see why it’s so important to look after our feet. In many jobs, we spend all day on our feet, and so the idea of dealing with a condition such as neuroma can make going about daily tasks almost impossible. Working with a podiatry and chiropody clinic can support you in making small changes to your habits which will impact your overall health. Our team will be able to look out for initial signs of these conditions and work to avoid some of the causes of neuroma before it’s too late. We may find that the footwear you are using isn’t ideal for your feet and make suggestions to improve your foot health and quality of life.
Neuroma is a condition that many people will experience in their lifetime. While mild cases can be resolved in a short period of time, some individuals do require long-term treatment to reduce pain and discomfort. If you do notice any of the symptoms we’ve shared above, we highly encourage you to reach out to our team for support. The sooner you receive treatment, the easier it will be to protect your foot health in the long run. Contact our team today to learn about the services we offer or to discuss any questions you have about working with a podiatrist and the benefits our treatment options can offer.