You might be putting yourself at risk of permanent nerve damage when you ignore foot pain that does not go away. Therefore, it is prudent to see a foot and ankle specialist when the pain persists even after changing footwear or stopping activities that cause the pain. Naperville neuroma specialists will examine your foot and ask you questions about your condition so they can effectively treat the foot pain. To eliminate other causes of foot pain, a doctor may also prescribe X-ray, ultrasound images, and an MRI examination to understand the extent and source of your nerve pain. Due to the potentially differing damage in the nerves around your foot, you could also be suffering from other health issues regarding your feet that you didn’t even know about, especially if you don’t often look at your feet. People that suffer from Morton’s neuroma may find themselves at risk of infections or fungal build-up and might require the need of laser toenail fungus removal as an example. However, this is just one extra problem that could arise when suffering from nerve damage within the feet.
Risk Factors That Contribute to Morton’s Neuroma
Wearing high heels
High heels place pressure on the toes and the ball of foot, and can cause foot discomfort. Unfortunately, the pressure may lead to nerve problems such as Morton’s neuroma.
Certain sports
High-impact sports like running and jogging could subject the feet to pressure as a result of repetitive movements. Sports that require tight shoes, such as rock climbing, could also lead to foot trauma. The recurring trauma could then result in Morton’s neuroma due to repeated pressure on the foot’s nerve endings.
Foot deformity
Deformities like bunions, high arches, hammertoes, and flatfeet are also known to place pressure on the ankles and feet. These deformities are likely to put one at a higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
Treatment
The type of treatment needed will depend on the severity of Morton’s neuroma, with your doctor possibly recommending conservative methods like therapy. In severe cases, it may be better to get surgical treatment.
Therapy
Using insert arch supports and foot pads can reduce pressure on the foot nerves. Just be sure customized pads fit well and effectively support the region with pain. You can also buy over-the-counter pads without a prescription.
Injections
Your doctor might suggest you receive steroid injections in the affected part of your foot as a means of curbing the pain.
Surgical treatment
Decompressed surgery
In some instances, you might need surgery to reduce the pain from the neuroma. A surgeon would cut tissues, such as the ligaments, that bind to bones in the front part of the foot.
Removal of the nerve
If other neuroma treatments fail, one may also undergo surgical removal of the affected area’s nerves. The removal of these nerves could result in permanent numbness of the affected toes, however.
Home remedies
1. Ice massage
Regular ice massage on the area affected by the neuroma could help reduce the pain. You could freeze a water-filled pack of plastic foam and then place on the painful area.
2. Change footwear and avoid trauma-inducing activities
You may need to avoid wearing high heels and tightly-fitting shoes to minimize the pressure on the feet. Choosing, instead, shoes with a complete toe box and extra depth for comfort. Reducing participation in certain high impact activities may also be necessary.
The Bottom Line
Your doctor can help diagnose Morton’s neuroma and identify risk factors that cause the pain. They will help you choose appropriate treatment options to help ease the pressure and pain on the affected nerve endings. It is also prudent to see a foot and ankle specialist when you experience continued pain of the feet and toes that does not go away after treatment and home remedies.