How to Manage Plantar Digital Neuromas
A plantar digital neuroma is also called a Morton's neuroma. This is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve that runs between your third and fourth toes. The condition can be caused by poorly fitting footwear, improper foot function (the way you foot works) or the structure of your foot. It can also occur with other conditions, such as bunions or arthritis. Sometimes there is no discernible cause.
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Instructions
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Before you can manage a plantar digital neuorma, you need to know that you have one. The most common symptom is pain in the front of the foot . The pain can be a "shooting" or "burning" pain that radiates up or down the foot. You may also experience numbness or odd sensation in one of your toes, usually the fourth toe (next to the little toe).
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As with any pain, you may choose to rest and ice the foot initially to see if your pain settles. As it is very difficult to stay off your feet, you may refrain from playing sports or running for a while to see if the pain resolves.
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If you have what might be a neuroma, you should try changing your footwear. Take note of what shoes bring on the symptoms. The pain is usually worse in shoes that are too tight, too loose, high-heeled, thin-soled or slip-on. Ideally, you should choose a shoe that does not pinch your foot and has a well-cushioned sole. You should make sure that your shoes fit well, and choose a shoe that has a lace or a strap.
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If symptoms persist, it is time to see a podiatrist. She will diagnose the pain and determine if you have a neuroma. Early diagnoses and treatment can eliminate the need for surgery. It is always best to seek medical help if you have pain that lasts longer than a few days.
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The treatment will depend on the cause of the problem. The podiatrist may give you footwear advice if he feels this is the main issue. He may also fit an orthotic or a pad into your shoe if the problem is caused by your foot structure.
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If you are still in pain, then a cortisone injection may be carried out to reduce the inflammtion.
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Surgery is recommended after all other treatments have not resolved the problem. Surgical removal of the neuroma is usually highly successful, but this can result in numbness of the affected toe, as the nerve is also removed.
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Tips & Warnings
It is alway best to seak medical attention sooner rather than later. A neuroma usually starts with a irritation of the nerve that can be fully resolved. It is only after a period of time that a neuroma forms.
