Foot Facts - Neuromas
Click on the graphic for more information and to read testimonials from customers who suffered from Neuromas. |
Does the bottom of your foot tingle, burn or feel numb?
If you have one or more of these symptoms you might be suffering from Morton's Neuroma:
- Tingling, burning, or numbness
- Pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of your foot
- A feeling that your sock is bunched up
So, what is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissues and may occur in almost any part of the body. This thickening, or enlargement, is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. This compression creates enlargement of the nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.
Morton's Neuroma is the most common foot neuroma. Morton's Neuroma develops between the third and fourth toes. In this area of the foot part of the lateral plantar nerve combines with part of the medial plantar nerve. Where these two nerves merge they are usually larger in diameter than those going to the other toes. Also contributing to potential problems, the nerve lies close to the surface of the skin and to an artery and vein.
As a result, even a small amount of squeezing or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. Pointy-toed shoes or high-heeled shoes are typically the cause of irritation.
People with bunions, hammer toes, or flat feet are more likely to develop a neuroma.
Once the pain starts, what should I expect?
· At first you may only feel the discomfort when wearing certain pointy-toed shoes or doing some activity that aggravates the affected area.
· The symptoms might go away when you remove the shoe or massage the foot.
·Over time, and without treatment, the symptoms worsen and may continue for several days or weeks.
· The symptoms will become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve may become permanent.
What can I do to lessen or eliminate the pain?
- The first thing to do is to not wear pointy-toed and high-heeled shoes.
- Reduce or stop any activities that place repetitive pressure on the nerve.
- Begin wearing supportive footwear with a wide toe box like Z-CoiL Footwear, which already come equipped with high-quality custom orthotics.
- Place an icepack on the affected area and keep the effected foot elevated (on a pillow) to help reduce swelling.
Z-CoiL shoes also feature nearly an inch of soft, resilient neoprene-like cushioning at the forefoot, plus a rocker-bottom sole which helps to propel you quickly over the painful areas of the forefoot.
Trained and authorized Z-CoiL fitters can also add special padding around the neuroma to relieve pressure at the site.
Visit your local store today!