According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, neuromas affect about 29% of people in America. Even though you may suffer from Lenox Hill neuromas, this is a rare condition. Neuroma is a medical condition involving nerve tissue irritation and hardening, which can happen especially in the foot.
If the compression of the nerve tissues happens in your feet, it is called Morton’s neuroma. You can have Morton’s neuroma because you wear shoes that provide a small space for moving your feet. That often leads to more pressure on the nerve tissues of your feet.
Additionally, neuromas can be triggered if you frequently engage in sporting activities that stress the balls of your feet. Running and basketball are common athletic activities that can trigger Morton’s neuroma.
Some conditions affecting the feet, such as high-arched and flat feet, can also lead to Morton’s neuroma. Below are the ways of diagnosing and treating neuromas.
- Diagnosis of neuromas
Your specialist in foot and ankle conditions will need to collect more information as possible about your foot problem. The foot and ankle surgeon will ask about your symptoms, including when they first appeared.
Also, your foot and ankle specialist may want to know if some activities or sports worsen your condition. Furthermore, your doctor will physically examine your affected foot and gently press on the foot’s ball to feel if you have an area that has a tender growth.
You may have to undergo medical imaging if symptoms and foot examination do not conclusively prove you have a neuroma. A medical imaging technique like an X-ray can help your doctor view the tissues of your feet and spot neuromas.
- Treatments for neuromas
The advantage of these growths that can affect your nerves is that they are non-cancerous. However, you must address the issue quickly to avoid unreversible enlargement and damage.
- Conservative remedies
Wear shoes with a lot of space to promote unrestricted movement of the toes. For instance, ladies should avoid high-heeled shoes.
Your foot and ankle specialist can also recommend custom orthotics. Custom orthotic devices can help reduce the pressure exerted on the affected nerve, thus improving pain and mobility. Wearing metatarsal pads can also help reinforce your metatarsal arch. As a result, that treatment can relieve the compression and straining of the affected nerve on the foot’s ball.
Applying physical therapy exercises on your affected foot can also gradually eliminate the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma.
- Invasive remedies
A minimally invasive technique your surgeon can recommend is injection. Injecting medications around the affected part of your foot can reduce the strain on the nerves of your feet and provide relief. Injections can alleviate inflammation, discomfort, and pain.
Surgical treatment can also be an excellent solution. It involves removing the inflamed nerve or nerves on the ball of your foot. So that there is access to the problematic nerve, your ankle and feet surgeon will make incisions at the foot’s top. Your foot and ankle surgeon can also create more space around the affected foot’s nerve to release pressure.
Contact DeLoor Podiatry Associates today to book an appointment with a neuroma specialist and learn more about remedies.
