subject: Neuromas- Nerve Decompression [print this page] There are many causes of foot pain, but if you are experiencing a sharp, stabbing pain that feels better when you stop walking and massage your foot, you may have what is known as Morton's neuroma. While it may be a scary sounding name, this condition is benign and highly treatable. Neuromas are often described as nerve tumors, involving swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. Foot neuromas appear to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. Over time, the nerve becomes thickened and swollen, which may cause symptoms of pain, numbness, stinging, burning or electrical sensations into the toes.
Neuroma Basics
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes and is also known as intermetatarsal neuroma. An intermetatarsal neuroma may occur between any toes of the foot. The thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The compression creates an enlargement of the nerve, which may lead to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms of a neuroma of the foot may include:
*Pain in the forefoot and between the toes
*Tingling and numbness of the ball of the foot
*Swelling between the toes
*Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it
Anything that may cause irritation or compression of your foot nerve may lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common causes is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. The constant force of your toes in the shoes can cause pain and lead to a painful neuroma.
People who have certain foot deformities - bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or more flexible feet - are at a higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes include activities that involve repeated irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or sprinting. An injury to the area may also lead to a neuroma.
Nerve Decompression to Treat Painful Neuromas
Nerve decompression surgery has been proven highly effective in alleviating the symptoms of neuropathy. This type of surgery involves making a small incision in the area where the peripheral nerves are compressed, providing greater clearance for the nerves to pass through. This decompression often alleviates the pain, tingling and other symptoms when performed in time and for patients for which the procedure is appropriate.
For more information on neuroma treatment with nerve decompression visit your podiatrist in Houston. Your Houston podiatrist can diagnose and treat your neuroma properly.
