Have you been feeling like there’s a pebble stuck in your shoe or going about your daily routine with a sharp, burning sensation in the ball of your foot? If this sounds familiar, you might be experiencing a neuroma.
Don’t worry. Even though this condition may slow you down, there are ways to get you back to walking pain-free again.
At Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center, our team has years of experience diagnosing and treating neuromas to relieve your foot pain in Wheat Ridge, Thornton, Evergreen, Arvada, and Granby, Colorado.
If you’re curious about how or why your neuroma is slowing you down, we explain it all in this blog post.
The first step to finding a solution is understanding what a neuroma is and the signs to look for.
Let’s start with the basics. A neuroma, also known as Morton’s neuroma, is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes.
What makes this incredibly frustrating is that it can feel like walking on a pebble, with the discomfort ranging from mild discomfort to sharp, shooting pains.
But what causes this nuisance?
Tight shoes, high heels, or shoes that are too narrow around your toes can compress your foot and aggravate your nerves, eventually leading to a neuroma.
Conditions like high arches, flat feet, or bunions put extra pressure on the nerves in your foot, leading to this issue.
Any activities involving repetitive pressure or irritation to the forefront, such as running or high-impact sports, can also contribute to forming a neuroma.
Now that we know why neuroma pain is slowing you down, let’s treat it. The following coping strategies can alleviate your neuroma discomfort and help you take the next step forward in your healing process:
Since wearing the wrong shoes contributes to developing a neuroma, investing in better shoes can be an excellent place to start. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on your forefoot. Prioritize extra cushioning and arch support for shock absorption.
Custom orthotic inserts redistribute pressure on your foot and provide the support you need to relieve neuroma pain.
When in doubt, applying an ice pack for 15-20 minutes reduces inflammation and numbs the pain. Just make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to protect your skin from frostbite.
We may recommend over-the-counter medications for relief and to reduce inflammation. Remember to contact our team before starting a new medication.
Although being informed about neuromas and attempting a few coping strategies can be helpful, seeking professional help and personalized treatment plans go beyond temporary relief. If your pain hasn’t subsided, it’s time to contact our team.
When you book your appointment at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center, we thoroughly evaluate your foot and recommend treatment options such as corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, or surgical intervention if needed.
In some cases, we may use imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to confirm the source of your discomfort and assess the extent of your neuroma. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet pain-free.
If you’re ready to reach out for support and guidance to manage your neuroma symptoms, call us at (303)-423-2520 or contact us on our website to book an appointment at one of our offices today.
