Why You Should Treat Your Neuroma Before It Gets Complicated
Feeling a noticeable lump on the ball of your feet? Having pain while walking and doing seemingly normal chores? These are tell-tale signs that you may have a neuroma. But, don’t worry, you have come to the right place.
It is best to seek advice from a professional podiatrist to limit your neuroma from ruining your mobility and daily function. Pain while performing a simple task such as walking greatly deprives you and reduces your quality of life.
Our team of doctors: Dr. Christopher M. Funk, Dr. Bradley A. Whitaker, Dr. Peter C. Merrill, and Dr. Zeno Pfau at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, have a plethora of experience treating and medicating neuromas with minor to severe cases. In this blog, we explain what neuromas exactly mean and how you can get them treated.
How to tell if you have a Neuroma?
- “Pins and needles” sensations in your foot
- General foot numbness
- Sharp pain between your toes when you walk
- Inflammation between toes
- A painful separation of your toes
- Discomfort on the ball of your foot
How did I get a Neuroma in the first place?
- Trauma or Injury to the Foot
- Continued standing
- Flat feet
- Inadequate footwear, for example, shoes with high heels
- High arches
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Sports/ Activities causing repetitive strain on the ball of the foot, such as tennis, volleyball, running, etc
What are my Treatment Options?
- Proper Footwear – Avoid wearing tight shoes and shoes with heels greater than 2 inches. Look for supportive footwear with shock-absorbing soles and wide-toe boxes.
- Vary your Activities – Avoid high-impact sports such as running, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and prolonged standing. Gently messaging your foot or even icing may help.
- Padding – Using an arch support in your shoe may greatly help. Also, using readily available foot paddings may prove a winner.
- Pain Management – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, like aspirin or ibuprofen, may help eliminate the pain.
Ignoring the symptoms of a neuroma can lead to permanent nerve damage; thus, it’s essential to seek an evaluation promptly. Our seasoned podiatrists can examine your foot and order imaging and other tests to confirm a diagnosis. Conservative treatments like rest, shoe modifications, and inserts are most effective when a neuroma is diagnosed early, preventing the need for more invasive treatments later on. At Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists, we provide high-quality care for a range of foot conditions using advanced technologies and a dedicated staff. Our professional staff offers expert podiatry services at three Pima County offices: Tucson, Oro Valley, and Green Valley. Contact us today at (520) 575-0800 to schedule an appointment for all your foot and ankle concerns.
