Dancers, runners, Yoga enthusiasts, and Pilates clients alike work out several days weekly and often do not realize how much wear-and tear one puts on their feet when exercising and moving. What may not know is that with each step you walk, you place 3-4x your body weight on each foot, and with running, that increases to 6-8x your body weight. With dynamic activities, this number can vary, but if you are exercising several days/week, it can possibly lead to a very specific foot problem known as a neuroma (AKA Morton’s neuroma). This article will address how these injuries are treated quickly so you can avoid compensation and injuring a different part of the foot and/or lower leg.

A Morton’s neuroma affects the plantar nerve (which is a continuation of the sciatic nerve, but in the foot). The plantar nerve splits into the outer and inner foot nerves and these then branch off into communicating branches that go into your toes. When one suffers a neuroma, it is often from repeated compression/force placed on this nerve just before the toe begins. The pain results in symptoms of numbness, tingling, and possible loss of sensation with respect to cold/hot temperatures in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th toes (it generally does not occur at the big or pinky toes). Proper evaluation and diagnosis are necessary to make a quick recovery. Sports certified chiropractors who have experience in addressing foot injuries are likely to determine the correct diagnosis followed by recommendations to help one heal without any limitations.

Sports certified chiropractors make the diagnosis, but then Active Release Technique (ART) sports certified chiropractors can treat the neuroma effectively by breaking down the scar tissue formed around the nerve from the surrounding tissue. Furthermore, ART providers can usually identify any compensating issues in the foot and lower leg to avoid further injury and reduce the length of recovery and minimize symptoms. ART, alongside manipulation of the foot and ankle, and performing easy home-care exercises usually alleviates one’s symptoms faster. This may take a few visits, but it should not hinder one from stopping their exercise routine as long as recommendations are followed.

If you are experiencing these symptoms or know someone who may have recently complained of symptoms like the ones described above, give him/her the relief they may need from consulting with a sports certified and/or ART certified chiropractor to treat this injury effectively.

Brian Marion, DC, CCSP, ART, CKTP

Lincoln Park Chiropractic 2202 N. Lincoln Ave Suite 1 Chicago 60614

773) 248-2790 www.linconlparkchiropractic.com