Neuromas

What are Neuromas?

• A bundle of nerve endings whose covering is inflamed
• Occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve become enlarged - thickened
• Usually a pinching of the third and forth metatarsal bones which compresses a nerve
• Generally occurs in adults and more common in females

What are some of the symptoms?

• Pain in area of "ball of foot"
• Burning or tingling sensation in the foot and maybe some numbness
• Pain may be sharp or stabbing
• Cramping may also occur
• No swelling or bumps

What are the causes of Neuromas?

• Excessive Pronation
• Pronation is a normal movement of the foot, that allows the arch to flatten to a degree, which helps the body to absorb shock and adapt to different ground surfaces.
• If the foot is weak or tired and/or the footwear is not supportive, then the arch can flatten more than normal, which is excessive pronation.
• Flattening of the arch (excessive pronation) places pressure on the foot and can decrease the metatarsal arch thus increasing the chance of compression on the nerve creating a neuroma.
• With excessive pronation, increased stresses can be placed on the foot.
• Flat feet
• Wearing of tight, poorly fitting shoes such as pointed high heeled shoes
• Aggravated by prolonged standing
• Increased stress such as kneeling or ladders
• Mechanically there is too much movement of the metatarsals (bones of the foot)

How can Footpro help with Neuromas?

Step 1 Analysis

Video gait analysis will allow our technicians to determine normal foot functioning. If your foot falls outside the normal parameters in terms of pronation/supination then we are able to offer solutions to improve your gait.
Timing of your foot across the ground is a huge contributing factor in Nueroma type injuries. An early heel lift will mean that your foot pressure will be more on the front of your foot. This extra pressure will cause more stress through the forefoot. Our technician will be able to advise on a variety of stretching techniques to allow for a more normal timing patterns.

Step 2 Custom Moulded Insoles

Your footpro technician will be able to hand craft you're custom moulded insole whatever your activity. The basis for our insole construction it to provide the foot with the right amount of support by moulding your foot to its optimum shape. Every foot is different and pressure distribution and contact underneath the foot varying from person to person. By constructing a custom insole we are able to make each foot more symmetrical in shape and relive pressure underneath the foot.

A commonly used technique is placing a met dome directly behind the metatarsals in order to release pressure and even out the forefoot. At footpro we make specific insoles for each activity. Click here to find out more about custom insoles.

Step 3 Footwear

Footwear across all categories has to be properly fitted. Whether it is a cycling shoe, ski boot, running shoes, casual footwear, gym or walking shoe they all need to be fitted based on your foot and bodies characteristics. Any type of footwear which is too tight will tend to place more pressure on the metatarsals causing the nerves in between to become impinged.

Footpro takes pride in its footwear choices and through the use of our state of the art technology and hands on experience we can determine the right choice for you. We understand that the wrong footwear can be costly so must be done right the first time around to avoid potential injury.

With the incorporation of an activity specific custom insole we can guarantee it will improve your comfort and performance.