Chilly with a Chance of Neuromas

It’s chilly outside!  So like most sensible people, you have traded in your flip flops for a snug enclosed shoe. Whether you are sporting a boot, loafer, or sneaker, the toe box will likely be too narrow for true comfort. Tight toe boxes will compress the small nerves that carry sensation to your toes. When these nerves are compressed for too long, they become irritated, and eventually they may become enlarged!

An enlarged nerve in this area is termed a neuroma. Symptoms include a deep ache, or a sharp shooting pain localized to your forefoot.

Neuromas are most commonly seen in the forefoot, and more specifically between the 3^rd and 4^th metatarsals (aka Morton’s neuroma). The intermetatarsal nerve can become injured if the metatarsal heads are too close together, causing impingement of the nerve.

If you suspect a neuroma:

• Avoid shoes with narrow toe boxes. You should find immediate relief in a roomy shoe or while walking barefoot.
• Purchase a pair of silastic toe spacers, such as Correct Toes. Simply slipping toe spacers on at the end of the day can help to decompress the intermetatarsal nerves.
• Walk barefoot as much as possible while indoors.

Further Treatment

If your symptoms are not responding to the treatment protocols suggested above, I’d love to see you in my clinic for a comprehensive exam. We will diagnose your injury, and create a treatment protocol tailored to you your needs. The goal is to keep you active through this winter season. We offer several conservative treatment options that can optimize healing, such as shockwave therapy, platelet rich plasma therapy, and stem cell therapy. We will also spend ample time demonstrating tissue mobilization techniques as well as strengthening protocols. You can conveniently purchase Correct Toes at your appointment!

Visit our page on Neuromas for more information.

Call to schedule your appointment today! (385) 770-7203