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Introduction
The term neuroma
refers to a swelling of a nerve. The nerve commonly affected
is a small nerve that connects the middle and fourth toes,
counting from the big toe. The patient will complain of pain
in the sole of the foot.
Symptoms
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Begins with numbness or tenderness in the foot, just behind
the middle and fourth toes
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At a later stage, pain, numbness, burning and tingling sensations
can radiate around the foot.
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The symptoms may appear and disappear spontaneously.
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Severe pain may be present at weight bearing.
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The patient may experience spontaneous shooting pains, which
is often referred to as an "electric shock".
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The pulling of the ligaments under the foot irritates the
nerve.
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High heels can damage the nerve.
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A tight toe box will squeeze the toes in the foot and therefore
put pressure on the nerve.
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Mechanical problems with the feet such as "over pronation".
Over pronation can be simply described as a condition, which
causes your arches to flatten out when you stand up. This
causes your ankles to roll in towards each other and disturbs
your normal walking pattern. If a foot over pronates the
structures of the foot are put under stress, which increases
the likelihood of a neuroma occurring.
Treatment
Specialists have
found that patients respond well to sports insoles with the
addition of silicone padding under the fore foot area. A review
of running shoes may also be necessary.
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