How chiropractic care can reduce the symptoms of a neuroma

A neuroma is a painful but benign nerve tumor that develops in the ball of your foot between your third and fourth toes. Researchers estimate that one in three Americans has a neuroma, but they’re much more common in women than men. If you’ve tried various at-home measures like ice and rest but still can’t find relief, it may be time to consider chiropractic care.

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a benign nerve tumor. It occurs when the tissue that surrounds one or more of the nerves in your toes becomes thick and hardens. Ultimately, that results in a sharp, burning pain that affects the ball of your foot. You might also experience stinging, burning or tingling sensations that make it difficult to stand up or balance.

Who is at risk of a neuroma?

Anyone can experience plantar fasciitis, but several factors increase your risk, including:

• Wearing high heels
• Being a woman
• High impact exercises like running, jumping or dancing

You’re also more likely to experience a neuroma if you have underlying foot problems like bunions, hammertoes, high arches or flat feet.

If you regularly experience pain in the ball of your foot and it interferes with your ability to work, exercise or perform other routine activities, don’t wait to schedule an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic.

How is a neuroma diagnosed?

To diagnose a neuroma, your doctor of chiropractic reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms, including their severity, when they first started and if any activities, like exercise, make them worse. Next, your DC gently examines the balls of your feet, pressing on them to pinpoint areas of swelling, warmth or tenderness.

If a physical exam doesn’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, your DC might order additional tests like an X-ray or an MRI to get a closer look at the bones, joints and soft tissues in your feet.

How is a neuroma treated?

Doctors of chiropractic treat neuromas using holistic, integrative means that are non-invasive and drug-free. For example, you might benefit from maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and undergoing chiropractic adjustments on a regular basis.

Your doctor of chiropractic might also recommend physical therapy, therapeutic massage, custom orthotics, night splints or extracorporeal shockwave therapy. Ultimately, the goal of treatment is to relieve the pain in the ball of your foot and prevent it from getting worse. There’s no cure for neuromas (outside of surgery), but regular chiropractic care can help manage the condition.

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