Neuroma getting on your nerves?

“I have tingling and numbness in my foot that’s been going on for awhile. What could it be?"

The first thing that comes to mind when someone comes with a concern about abnormal sensation in their feet is either a neuroma or peripheral neuropathy. Let’s get right into how they’re similar but also different, and what can be done for them.

What’s a neuroma?

Neuroma refers to a nerve problem that can happen anywhere there is a nerve. It has been described as a benign nerve tumor (thickening) and when it’s in the foot, it is referred to as an interdigital neuroma or Morton’s neuroma. The nerve that courses between the metatarsals of the foot (long foot bone) gets pinched with tight fitted shoes, over activity or other biomechanical issues. Repetitive stress will cause the nerve to get inflammed causing pain or a sensation that feels like walking on a rolled up sock.

Neuromas can occur in one specific area or in both feet. Treatment starts with better supportive shoes that give the toes room to move, avoiding high heels and other comfort measures like massages, rest, stretching exercises and NSAIDs.

Your podiatrist can offer additional treatments including injections, custom orthotics, or surgery.

What’s peripheral neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy has a similar presentation in that one may experience numbness and tingling sensation to the feet that appears more magnified in the evening or at rest. It may feel more generalized than localized, making it hard to pin point exactly where the discomfort is.

Peripheral neuropathy affects both feet equally and sometimes the hands. This is what’s most commonly associated with diabetes since high blood sugars damage nerves but other conditions can cause these symptoms as well.

Therefore, treatment aims at controlling those medical conditions along with comfort measures including better shoes, custom orthotics and proper foot care. Sometimes nerve injections and surgery is necessary for relief.

How do I know which one I have?

Having foot pain is not only an inconvenience but it can limit us from enjoying the things we want to do and affect our overall well being. It’s important to address any foot pain right away.

The best way to get a diagnosis and treatment is getting a comprehensive evaluation with podiatrist Dr. Tea. There are many other conditions that can cause numbness or tingling sensation in the feet including tarsal tunnel, radiculopathy, circulation problems, and less obvious stress.

Physical or emotional stress releases cortisol and adrenaline which feed into an inflammatory state causing cell damage. Therefore, managing physical and emotional stress will help with your foot pain. After all, you are connected to your feet so we treat the whole body. Additional tests may be ordered to get the right diagnosis.