Neuroma
A Neuroma is a growth in the forefoot resulting in pain and associated feelings of numbness or tingling. Also known as a ‘Morton’s Neuroma’, it will usually present as pain in the ball of the foot when weight-bearing. Many people with a Neuroma also report a painful catching sensation while walking, or sharp pains that radiate into the toes.
The suspected cause of a Neuroma is an irritation of a small nerve in the front of your foot, which responds by thickening and scarring. Two major factors contribute to this chronic irritation: ill-fitting footwear – it is thought that narrow-fitting shoes cause the metatarsal bones in the foot to squeeze the nerve, causing it to become irritated and trapped; abnormal foot function – if your feet pronate (roll inwards) excessively, your nerve may stretch lengthways, causing it to become irritated and tethered.
For treatment of a Neuroma you should see your podiatrist, who can best identify its causes. Treatment might include: footwear changes – a wider shoe with a firm solemay reduce or eliminate symptoms by keeping the metatarsal bones from being squeezed, while decreasing the amount of stretch in the forefoot as you take a step; prescription orthotics – to correct any abnormal foot function and reduce stretch on the nerve.
If you think you may have a Neuroma, or suffer from any chronic pain in your forefoot, contact us.
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