Pinched Nerve in Foot

This condition is also known as Neuroma, and it can get pretty unpleasant, if one does not know what the exact cause of the problem is. Since there is no external trauma or wound, it will leave the affected individual perplexed and confused for some time, before he realizes what is really wrong.

The pain usually occurs in the area between the toes, and it can get very painful indeed. This occurs as a direct result of the compression of the nerves in that area, and not due to any kind of growth on the nerve. The sensation that we get when our leg or our arm 'falls asleep' is one of the signs that we have a pinched nerve in our foot, or in the arm.

When some external tissue or muscle presses against the nerve, it is known as Neuroma. This is something that can happen at any moment in time, especially when an individual is wearing shoes. Many people would often mistake this pain for a cramp, but people who have experienced this condition before will know better.

Causes

There are many different reasons that lead to the onset of this condition, and almost all of them are directly related to some form of physical or strenuous activity. It is very common to get a pinched nerve from running, and other related exercises and stretches as well. Excessive stretching of the foot may well lead to this condition, due to the compression and the constriction of the nerve. Some ailment affecting the joints of the body, an external force applied on the foot or some form of repetitive motions can also lead to this condition.

Symptoms

The most obvious of all symptoms is excruciating pain felt in the region involved. This pain will be greater when the individual wears shoes, and may suddenly appear when the foot turns suddenly or has some weight upon it. All these signs, along with numbness in foot are clear indicators that the individual is suffering from Neuroma.

In most cases though, the numbness is the only sign of this condition. Everyone has experienced this sensation at some point in time or the other, so this is something that afflicts one and all. We commonly assume that this occurs because the blood flow to that limb has been obstructed, but the reality is that the numbness occurs as a direct result of a pinched nerve. Tingling in hands and feet is a common occurrence that everyone experiences.

Many people mistakenly think that Neuroma refers to a nerve tumor, that commonly occurs between the 3rd and the 4th toe on the foot. The symptoms of a nerve tumor are similar in nature, but you must not be confused about this because a pinched nerve in foot is a completely different condition altogether.

Relief and Treatment

To get instant relief from the pain of this condition, one needs to stop whatever strenuous activity that is being carried out, and rub the area where the pain is occurring. If there is no pain and only numbness, then simply shaking the limb about for a while will solve the problem. To prevent the problem, wear shoes that are comfortable and suit your foot type.

If the problem is a recurring one, then you need to visit a podiatrist who will take a look at the condition and suggest the most suitable form of pinched nerve treatment for you. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. Depending on the severity of the condition, the specialist may recommend some form of padding and taping to support the foot, some kind of orthotic device, some exercises, some medication to ease the pain or some form of surgery to fix the problem permanently. You must carefully assess your options and then make an informed decision. Remember to ask the specialist a lot of questions about your condition before you make your choice.

Many people get a pinched nerve from time to time, so there is no need to be alarmed about this condition. The pain and the numbness may get a bit troublesome at times, but with the right approach you can get rid of this problem.