How Our Annapolis Podiatrists Diagnose and Treat Neuromas
At Annapolis Foot & Ankle Center, we diagnose neuromas by learning about our patients’ health histories and current symptoms, completing physical examinations, and utilizing medical diagnostic tests like X-rays, MRIs, and bone scans.
Not only will your doctor look for signs of a neuroma, but also attempt to rule out other conditions such as stress fractures and arthritis, which can sometimes present in similar ways. We then develop individualized treatment plans with our patients, to ensure the plan will meet their unique needs. Here are some self and professional treatment remedies we often recommend.
Changing Footwear
As the first line of defense, many people experience relief from their symptoms right away by improving their footwear. Try:
- Flats or shoes with heels less than 2 inches high
- Open-toed shoes
- Footwear with wide toe boxes
- Soles with better shock protection
- Custom orthotics or padded insoles
In some cases, stretching existing footwear to widen the toe box may also alleviate symptoms to a certain degree.
Rest
Take weight off your feet, massage the sore areas, and apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen can help to lessen swelling and pain.
Weight Management
Carrying extra weight can make neuromas worse, so maintaining a healthy body weight could help reduce discomfort.
Adjusting Activity Levels
It may be necessary to choose more low-impact exercises, especially while the foot heals. As long as your pain isn’t too intense, we might also recommend doing certain stretches that strengthen the foot and arch.
Padding and Taping
There are different padding and taping techniques that can adjust the biomechanics of the feet enough to ease pressure and reduce pain.
Injections
Some people respond well to periodic corticosteroid injections for neuromas. This fast-acting anti-inflammatory drug may provide pain relief for weeks.
Surgery
In our Annapolis podiatry practice, we believe it’s only necessary to consider surgery for most conditions if other, less invasive options don’t demonstrate lasting results. We offer various options for neuroma surgery, including nerve decompression, nerve removal, and radiofrequency ablation. Foot neuroma surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, and patients can expect to return to normal activities within a few weeks. Discuss the risks and benefits of foot neuroma surgery with one of our skilled surgeons to determine if it’s the right treatment option for you.
