Tame Tingling Heels: 8 Options for Treating Painful Neuromas

Do you feel a burning or tingling sensation in your heels? You might be experiencing neuroma, which is nerve inflammation that occurs due to squeezing by surrounding bones.

At Clifton Foot and Ankle Center, we often see individuals with this condition. If you are considering visiting a podiatrist, read on to learn about the many available treatments.

Understanding Podiatric Neuromas:

• Causes: Friction or repetitive stress can irritate and inflame nerves, leading to neuroma formation. Wearing high heels or other tight-fitting footwear significantly increases risk.
• Symptoms: Burning, tingling, or numb sensations on the heel, between your toes, or on the ball of the foot. You might also experience pain that worsens with activity. You may even feel like a pebble is lodged in your shoe.

Treatment Options for Podiatric Neuromas:

• Shoe modifications: Wearing wider shoes with good arch support and a soft toe box helps reduce pressure on the nerve.
  • Padding and Inserts: Metatarsal pads placed over the neuroma can provide cushioning and reduce irritation.
  • Activity modification: Reduce movements that aggravate the neuroma, such as dancing or other sports-related activity.
  • Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time can help reduce inflammation.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can offer temporary pain relief. Just be sure to consult your DPM first.

If these options don’t relieve your pain, more involved treatments can include:

• Corticosteroid injections: If conservative measures fail, a podiatrist might recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around the nerve.
• Surgery: Surgery is usually considered a last resort for severe cases where other treatments haven’t provided relief. The podiatrist might remove a portion of the nerve or surrounding tissue to relieve pressure.
• Minimally invasive procedures: Radiofrequency ablation may be used to destroy nerve tissue and alleviate pain.

Heel pain from neuromas can slow you down, so if you’re hurting, come see us for a checkup!

Neuromas can worsen if you don’t address them early. Find your personalized approach with the help of Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia. As a board-certified podiatrist who has practiced in Virginia for nearly two decades, Dr. Wilhelm can consult with you on any foot-related issue. Book an appointment today!