The Real Reason Why Your Arches Hurt
A burning, throbbing ache running through the arch of your foot is one of the most common descriptions of arch pain we at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists hear from our patients.
Nervous About Your Neuroma? We Can Help
A fiery pincushion nestled between your toes – that's Morton's neuroma, a pesky nerve thickening that can turn typical strolls into painful trials. CarePlus Foot and Ankle Specialists successfully treat patients with this problem all the time, and we’ve decided to share a little information we’ve gleaned from those experiences in this blog post.
Let's untangle the knot of Morton's neuroma, explore the activities that might trigger it, and discover a few ways to alleviate the ache!
Athletic Adventures Gone Awry
- High-impact sports: Running, jumping, and dancing put intense pressure on the forefoot, compressing the nerves between your toes. Those of us who enjoy skiing or soccer are also more likely to suffer from Morton’s Neuroma.
- Tight, pointy shoes: Ballerinas and fashionistas, beware! Cramming your toes into narrow spaces creates significant nerve irritation.
- Repetitive foot motions: Think ballet pliés or tennis footwork. Repetitive movements of the same muscles wear down nerve tissues, leading to inflammation and a burning sensation.
Calming Your Nerves
Fortunately, there are a few different conservative options for treating Morton’s neuroma.
- Rest and ice: Take a break from activities that aggravate the pain. Elevate your foot and apply ice packs wrapped in a towel to reduce inflammation.
- Shoe therapy: Ditch the stilettos. Choose shoes with wider toe boxes and prioritize comfortable, supportive footwear in general. Good arch support and shock-absorbing soles help as well, while customized orthotics provide additional cushioning and reduce nerve pressure.
- Stretching and massage: Gentle stretches and targeted foot massages can improve circulation and loosen tight muscles, easing the pressure on the nerve. Ask your podiatrist or physical therapist for guidance on specific exercises.
When Symptoms Persist, See Your Podiatrist
If at-home measures don't provide relief, your podiatrist may recommend additional treatments.
- Corticosteroid injections: These targeted injections can effectively reduce inflammation and pain around the nerve.
- Surgery: This intervention is typically a last resort, but it comes in two different varieties: Decompression surgery and nerve removal surgery. Either one will be performed by an expert DPM with proven surgical experience.
Nix your neuroma today! Contact Dr. Hubert Lee and his team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936.
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