Foot neuromas, medically known as Morton’s neuromas, are extremely common in the country. Research shows that at least one in three Americans will get the condition in their lifetime, with women being at least eight times more likely to develop it than men.
Despite being called neuromas, which in strict medical language refers to benign, non-cancerous tumors, Morton’s neuromas are actually not tumors. They occur when the nerves in the balls of the feet get inflamed and enlarged, resulting in a proverbial lumpy appearance on the feet.
Neuromas are caused by various factors, some of which are beyond your control. However, some neuromas are preventable. Here is how to lower your likelihood of developing New York neuroma.
Shoes, Shoes, Shoes
Women are eight to ten times more likely to develop neuromas than men because of the shoes they wear. High heels, for example, have very little toe space and tend to exert all of the body’s weight on the balls of the feet. This then results in neuroma formation.
Always favor shoes with a wide toe box compared to narrow ones. Make sure your toes are not cramped and have enough breathing room.
Additionally, wear shoes with a low, 2-inch heel instead of sky-high ones. If you must wear high heels, do it for a few hours. You should also avoid standing in heels for long periods, as this can accelerate neuroma formation.
Report Foot Problems Early
People with certain foot conditions, like flat feet and high arches, are more susceptible to foot neuromas than those without. Additionally, neuromas tend to affect people with bunions and hammertoes more than others. If you have such issues, bring them to your specialist’s attention as early as possible. Treating these conditions promptly will highly reduce your chances of getting neuromas.
Lose Weight
Feet bear your body’s weight when you stand and walk. If you are overweight, it means that your feet are carrying more weight than they should. This increases your chances of developing a neuroma.
Consider shedding a few pounds to relieve your feet of the extra weight. Talk to a nutritionist to learn how to tweak your diet for weight loss. Additionally, incorporate regular exercise into your life. You should start to see changes on the scale in time.
Exercise Properly
The benefits that exercise has for your body are many, and they cannot be overemphasized. However, executing exercises poorly can cause your body more harm than good. In fact, poor exercise posture is closely linked to neuroma development.
This is why you should engage a professional trainer to guide you as you exercise. If you are already experiencing leg pain, the trainer may tweak some exercises to accommodate your condition. And be sure to wear supportive shoes while you work out to avoid injury to your feet.
Foot neuromas can be incredibly painful and uncomfortable. Although not all neuromas are preventable, some can be prevented. Usually, these are neuromas caused by lifestyle factors, like being overweight and wearing tight shoes. Follow the tips shared in this post to reduce your susceptibility to neuromas.
