When you hear the term “pinched nerve,” you probably imagine a nerve that is being compressed in your neck, lower back or hip. These are all common locations for a nerve to become compressed, but they certainly aren’t the only areas! In fact, we regularly see patients who are dealing with pinched nerves in their feet. So why do these pinched nerves develop in the foot area, and more importantly, how can they be effectively treated? In today’s blog, we share some tips for treating pinched nerves in your feet.
Causes And Symptoms Of Pinched Nerves In Your Feet
Pinched nerves in your feet can develop for a number of different reasons, and determining your underlying cause is important for pursuing the right type of treatment. Some of the more common reasons for a nerve to become compressed include:
Bone Spur – Extra bony growths in the foot area that can develop as a result of trauma or osteoarthritis degeneration can irritate or compress nearby nerves.
Neuromas – A neuroma is a noncancerous growth of nerve tissue, and this extra tissue can end up contributing to nerve compression or irritation.
Ganglion Cyst – A ganglion cyst is a noncancerous fluid-filled cyst that can form in the joints of the foot or ankle, especially in those with arthritis. This fluid-filled cyst can encroach on the space that is reserved for the nerves.
Stress/Injury – Direct trauma or overstress on your feet can lead to inflammation and swelling, which can compress nerves in the feet.
Bunions/Hammertoes – Problems with bones and joints in the foot can lead to structural changes that impact the soft tissues and nerves in the feet.
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the feet include:
- Sharp pain
- Burning sensation
- Numbness
- Tingling or a “pins and needles-like” sensation
- Discomfort or weakness
Symptoms may be located in one specific area of the foot, they may radiate around the foot or up the leg, or they may get worse with certain activities, like walking, running or jumping.
Treating Pinched Nerves In Your Feet
As we noted above, the best treatment will be based on your specific underlying cause, which is why it’s so important to connect with a foot and ankle specialist to learn more about your feet. They’ll be able to take a closer look at your feet, conduct a physical exam and use special diagnostic tools to figure out exactly what’s going on in your feet. From there, they’ll talk with you about your options based on their findings, and don’t be surprised if they recommend one or more of the following treatments:
Rest – Resting the area can help to calm irritated nerves that are worsened by inflammation and swelling.
Orthotic Inserts – Generic or custom orthotics can change how stress is dispersed on your feet, taking pressure off the nerve and affected area.
Physical Therapy – PT and specific stretching exercises can work to decompress a pinched nerve and increase your comfortable range of motion in your feet.
Anti-Inflammatories/Corticosteroid Injections – Over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications can decompress a pinched nerve in the foot.
Footwear Changes – Changing your shoes can calm an irritated nerve when the shoes you regularly wear are not providing enough support to your feet.
Surgery – In rare instances, or in situations that are not effectively treated with conservative methods, a minimally invasive procedure may be performed to free the compressed nerve or remove an object like a cyst or a bone spur that’s irritating the nerve.
Dr. Silverman has helped many patients overcome nerve issues in their feet, and he can do the same for you!