Most people pay little attention to their foot health until there’s a problem. While this is understandable, monitoring your foot health can help prevent and catch foot problems before they cause complications.
Neuromas are common foot ailments that start with overlooked symptoms but can develop into a severe condition. While some believe neuromas can self-resolve, treatment is vital to get rid of them and prevent them from worsening.
Our renowned podiatry surgeon team at the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California, often see patients with neuromas.
In this article, we give you insight into the nature of neuromas and treatment for them.
What are neuromas?
Neuromas, particularly Morton’s neuromas, are benign growths of nerve tissue frequently found between your third and fourth toes. They result from the thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves leading to the toes, causing pain, a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling in the affected area. While not life-threatening, neuromas can significantly impair your ability to move freely and your quality of life.
Causes and risk factors
Factors that cause pressure or irritation to your foot trigger neuromas. These include wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, repetitive stress from sports, foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, and specific foot positions during activities.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Identifying a neuroma early is vital to effective management. Symptoms typically include pain, a feeling of walking on a pebble, and numbness in the toes. Diagnosis often involves a physical examination and possibly imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, which our skilled podiatrists use at the LA Institute of Foot and Ankle.
Can neuromas resolve on their own?
The million-dollar question remains: Can these bothersome neuromas resolve without medical intervention? The simple answer is no.
In some mild cases, you may not experience bothersome symptoms from neuromas, especially with lifestyle adjustments like wearing more adequate shoes or reducing activities that aggravate the condition.
However, neuromas need to be treated by a qualified podiatrist to help you get rid of them permanently and effectively. While symptoms might not worsen immediately with lifestyle adjustments, the condition won’t simply go away over time.
Treatment options for neuromas
With neuromas, the first line of treatment typically involves conservative methods. These include switching to shoes with a wide toe box, using orthotic devices, taking anti-inflammatory medications, and engaging in physical therapy.
At the LA Institute of Foot and Ankle, our specialists tailor these treatments to your unique needs, improving the odds of recovery.
Advanced treatment options
In cases where conservative treatments are inadequate, we employ more advanced options. These include steroid injections, which can reduce inflammation and pain, and, in some cases, surgery.
Though more invasive, surgery provides a high success rate in relieving neuroma symptoms. Our surgeons are renowned for their skill and precision in such procedures, ensuring the best possible results.
Prevention and lifestyle changes
Prevention is always better than cure. Simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing neuromas. These include choosing the proper footwear, avoiding high heels for prolonged periods, maintaining a healthy weight to reduce foot stress, and regularly stretching and exercising your feet to improve strength and flexibility.
While neuromas can self-resolve in mild cases, they often require professional attention for effective and complete recovery. At the LA Institute of Foot and Ankle, we provide the highest standard of care for all foot-related issues, including neuromas.
Whether you’re seeking advice on preventive care or advanced treatments, our expert team is ready to serve you. Schedule an online appointment or call 818-848-5588 today.