Neuroma

A Neuroma is where the nerve that runs between the 3rd and 4th metatarsal shafts, thickens or swells because a mixture of scar tissue and nerve tissue is laid down around the nerve. The thickened nerve is now easily aggravated as it rubs against the metatarsal heads, compressing the nerve, thereby sending burning paresthesia into the ball of foot and toes.

What causes a Neuroma?

The most common cause of Neuroma is excessive foot pronation, where the foot collapses or rolls inwards. The underlying mechanics are a little complicated, however essentially the foot is divided into two segments, an inner and outer segment. When there is poor foot posture, there is excessive movement between the two halves and this will cause irritation of the nerve that runs in between the two segments. The more movement there is, the more the nerve is irritated, swells and scar tissue forms.

How long will it take to fix a Neuroma

Immediate relief can be obtained with pressure relief padding placed near the ball of the foot, however this is only a temporary measure as the cause of the problem has not been addressed. Normally within 4 weeks a client can expect to feel symptoms reducing when they have their foot posture corrected naturally using the AllNatural System at Foot Posture Centres. There are some cases where the Morton’s neuroma has become chronic and injection therapy or even surgery (last resort) may be required.

How to fix a Neuroma naturally?

As mentioned earlier, pressure relief padding is often helpful in reducing immediate symptoms as it helps to spread the metatarsals apart, minimising the compressive forces on the nerve. This will need to be combined with discovering which of the bones of the foot are misaligned or restricted.  This is what leads to the two halves of the foot to move excessively causing irritation on the nerve. Once this is discovered by the Foot Posture Centre podiatrist, they will use foot mobilisation techniques and corrective exercises to fix the cause of the problem and restore normal function to the foot and ankle, thereby reducing the pain caused by the neuroma. Foot orthotics, cortisone injections and painful foot surgery are not normally needed if the foot is corrected naturally.

Please call one of our centres to arrange a comprehensive initial assessment to determine if your foot pain can be resolved naturally.  Forest Hill 9877 0056 or Ivanhoe 9499 2006.