Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with Neuromas

At Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle, we know that the holiday season has many of our patients on the go and on their feet way more than at other times of the year. This can bring on or exacerbate podiatric conditions. One disorder that we typically see more of now are neuromas. A neuroma is an enlargement of a nerve. In your feet, it is most often seen in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth toe. Sometimes this is referred to as a Morton’s neuroma. What may start out as occasional tingling can quickly advance to disabling pain, especially when excess pressure is applied to the foot. Below are some do’s and don’ts for helping reduce the discomfort caused by neuromas.

Do: make an appointment at our Spring Hill (352 683-5799) or Hudson (727-868-2128) office if you are experiencing ball of the foot discomfort and have not been diagnosed already with a neuroma. For some patients, the sensation is like having your sock bunched up or a rock in your shoe. Our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, will examine your foot and may order tests or imaging studies to confirm the diagnosis. The foot doctor may prescribe a custom orthotic device to help shift pressure away from the nerve. The best and least invasive treatment options are effective when a neuroma is diagnosed in its earliest stages.

Don’t: spend long periods of time in high heels. Although there may be several festivities associated with the holidays where you’ll be dressing up, try to keep heel height to under two inches and avoid styles with narrow, pointy toe boxes. When you wear heels, it forces the foot forward and puts excessive pressure on the ball of the foot which aggravates a neuroma.

Do: use home care to keep neuroma pain in check. You can ice the affected area by wrapping ice in a thin cloth and applying it for 20 minutes at a time to the neuroma. Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen with your doctor’s approval to relieve pain.

Do: keep up to date with checkups for monitoring conditions associated with a higher risk for developing neuromas. These include: bunions, hammertoes and flat feet. If you’re due for an appointment, contact us today.