Sole Survivors: Finding Comfort and Relief from Neuromas

by Northeast Foot and Ankle | Oct 31, 2023

Do you ever get a shooting pain in the ball of your foot or the sensation that there is a pebble or balled-up sock under the ball of your foot? If you answered yes, you could have a neuroma! Let’s talk about some common treatments for neuroma that can help you get back on the road to life without foot pain.

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a pinched nerve in the ball of your foot, and it can become quite painful! The good news is neuromas generally respond well to conservative care.

How do you treat neuromas?

Ice to the ball of the foot: Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain associated with neuromas, providing temporary relief and promoting healing.
Wear wide-toe box shoes: Opting for shoes with a wide-toe box allows more space for the toes, reducing compression on the affected nerve and minimizing discomfort caused by neuromas.
Wear inserts with a metatarsal pad to relieve pressure under the ball of the foot: Inserts with a metatarsal pad provide cushioning and support to the metatarsal area, redistributing pressure and alleviating pain associated with neuromas during weight-bearing activities.
Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation: Cortisone injections are commonly used to provide short-term relief from neuroma pain by reducing inflammation and swelling around the affected nerve, though they are typically reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief.
Massage to the painful area: Gentle massage techniques can help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and providing temporary relief from neuroma-related pain by loosening tight muscles and reducing tension in the foot.