A neuroma in the foot, also known as a Morton’s neuroma, is a painful condition. Fortunately, though, a simple method is available that can relieve the pain. Read on to learn more about the options for a neuroma in the foot.
At Home Care
If you are suffering from a neuroma in the foot, the first thing that you should do is rest the foot. If you have been participating an exercise routine or training program, it is probably time to take a bit of a break.
Of course, it is important to be active and maintain a healthy body, but you will probably need to rest the foot temporarily to give your foot time to heal and allow the pain to subside.
Elevate the affected foot. Ideally, the foot should be higher than your heart. Try propping it up with a few pillows. You can also apply an ice pack to the foot to help numb the pain. You can make your own ice pack at home by adding a few tablespoons of rubbing alcohol to a bag of crushed ice. The rubbing alcohol lowers the temperature of the ice, which makes it more effective.
Shoe Inserts
Check out the shoes that you have been wearing; are they too tight? Shoes that don’t fit properly, particularly shoes that are too tight, can compress the nerves in the foot and cause a neuroma to develop.
It may be time for a new pair of shoes. Go to a specialized shoe store (custom shoe shop) and have your feet measured. Your feet can actually change size as you age, and you may be wearing the wrong size. Check the width, too; a wider shoe may be more comfortable and less binding on your feet.
Shoe inserts with a metatarsal pad, can also help with pain caused by a neuroma in the foot. These inserts will help to provide extra space between your toes and relieve pressure from the neuroma.
Cortisone Injections
If at-home measures do not relieve your pain, you should see your doctor for a consultation. Your doctor may recommend that you undergo a cortisone injection. A cortisone injection relieves inflammation and swelling in the foot. The injection process is simple, and the patient usually experiences relief within a couple days that can last for months.
Surgery
If none of the more conservative measures provides relief, your doctor may recommend surgery for your neuroma. The surgery involves resecting a portion of the nerve or releasing the tissue around the nerve.
The surgery can often be performed under local anesthesia. After the procedure, the patient will have stitches in the foot and may need to use crutches for up to three weeks. The total recovery time can be up to six weeks.
Clearly, surgery is not the ideal solution. If you have a neuroma in your foot, try replacing your shoes and using shoe inserts. This simple solution is often quite effective.
Wearing shoes that fit properly along with inserts that lift and separate the toes can provide significant relief by releasing the pressure that has been placed on the nerves. Before you consider drastic surgical measures, be sure to try out a footwear change.
If you have a neuroma of the foot, visit Foot Solutions. We are a specialized shoe store (custom shoe shop) that provides supportive footwear for a variety of foot conditions. We also offer shoe inserts and custom arch supports (orthotic devices) that can provide great relief for neuromas of the foot in addition to many other foot problems. Stop by Foot Solutions to learn more.
