About Neuroma / Nerve Impingement
At Hand & Ortho, we understand that conditions like neuroma and nerve impingement can significantly impact your daily activities. A neuroma occurs when a nerve becomes enlarged or irritated, often due to compression, leading to pain, tingling, or numbness. Nerve impingement, on the other hand, refers to pressure on a nerve that can cause similar symptoms. Both conditions commonly affect the foot, ankle, and lower extremities, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can find relief and return to an active lifestyle.
Causes
Neuroma and nerve impingement can develop for several reasons, including:
- Repetitive pressure or friction on a nerve, often from tight footwear, high heels, or certain physical activities.
- Trauma or injury to the affected area, which can lead to swelling or inflammation around the nerve.
- Abnormal foot structure, such as flat feet or high arches, which can contribute to improper nerve alignment and pressure.
- Herniation or disc bulges in the spine that may cause nerve compression, leading to impingement in the legs or feet.
- Inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, which can put additional pressure on nerves and lead to impingement.
Symptoms
Neuroma and nerve impingement can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Sharp or burning pain in the foot, ankle, or lower leg, often worsened by standing or walking.
- Tingling or numbness in the toes or feet, which may come and go or persist.
- Weakness in the affected area, particularly when moving the toes or foot.
- Feeling of a lump or “something in the shoe,” especially in cases of a neuroma in the foot.
- Increased pain with certain activities, such as wearing tight shoes, walking, or exercising.
Diagnosis
To accurately diagnose neuroma or nerve impingement, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
- Physical examination to assess your symptoms, foot structure, and range of motion.
- Neurological tests to check for signs of nerve compression or irritation.
- X-rays to rule out other conditions and assess bone structure.
- Ultrasound or MRI to visualize soft tissue and identify any swelling or compression around the nerve.
- Electrodiagnostic tests to measure nerve function and identify areas of impingement or irritation.
Treatment
Treatment for neuroma and nerve impingement will depend on the severity of your condition. Options include:
- Rest and activity modification to reduce stress on the affected area and allow healing.
- Footwear changes to reduce pressure on the nerve, including wearing shoes with a wider toe box or orthotic inserts.
- Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles, improve posture, and alleviate pressure on the nerve.
- Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and swelling around the nerve.
- Surgical intervention may be necessary in more severe cases to remove the neuroma or release the compressed nerve.
Recovery
Recovery from neuroma or nerve impingement depends on the severity of the condition and the treatment used. Here’s what you can expect during recovery:
- Physical therapy may be recommended to help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, especially if you had surgery or need rehabilitation.
- Gradual return to activity once the nerve has healed and symptoms have subsided, with guidance from our team.
- Post-surgical care if surgery was performed, including rest, wound care, and follow-up visits to ensure proper healing.
- Long-term management with footwear adjustments, lifestyle changes, and exercises to prevent recurrence of symptoms.