How Corticosteroids Can Relieve Neuroma Pain

How Corticosteroids Can Relieve Neuroma Pain

If you feel like you always have a pebble in your shoe, you might have a neuroma, which is a benign nerve tumor that surrounds the nerve leading to your toes. 

Neuromas most often develop between your third and fourth toes, leading to a burning sensation in the ball of your foot, achiness, and pain.

Left untreated, neuromas can affect your mobility and make it painful to walk. If you suspect that your foot pain is related to a neuroma, our podiatrists at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists may recommend arch supports, orthotics, and physical therapy. 

If noninvasive treatments aren’t enough, we also offer corticosteroid injections and even decompression surgery. In this blog, we take a deep dive into corticosteroids and how they can help you relieve neuroma pain.

What are corticosteroid injections and how do they work?

Sometimes called steroid injections or cortisone shots, corticosteroids injections are anti-inflammatory medications that treat many different conditions, including neuroma pain, arthritis, sciatica, and joint pain. 

A corticosteroid injection contains cortisone, a type of steroid that alleviates swelling and inflammation. Steroids help slow the production of inflammation-causing chemicals. Because inflammation is a key factor in neuroma pain, these injections can be particularly effective. 

What to expect from steroid injections

Before you receive a steroid injection, you may need to stop taking certain medications, especially if they have a blood-thinning effect. During your consultation, we discuss any medications that you may need to pause temporarily. 

Before we administer the injection, we clean the area to reduce the risk of injection. Then we inject the medication into the third web space δΈ€ the space between your third and fourth toes. 

In addition to steroids, these injections also contain local anesthetics to provide pain relief. Together, the steroid and the local anesthetic provide relief from neuroma pain and reduce the inflammation that causes the pain. 

Afterward, you may use cold compresses to ease any discomfort, but don’t use heating pads or hot therapy on your injection site. If you have diabetes, you may experience elevated blood sugar levels for a few hours after the injection. Let us know of any concerns you have about side effects before your shot.

Fitting corticosteroid injections into your treatment plan

Steroid injections complement other therapies included in your neuroma treatment plans. This includes wearing shoes with a wide box, avoiding high heels, participating in physical therapy, and wearing orthotics (if needed). 

Avoid any shoes that have:

Wearing well-fitting shoes with proper arch support and adequate space in the toe box doesn’t just help with neuroma pain. It can help you avoid other foot problems too. This includes bunions, blisters, hammertoe, and plantar fasciitis

What if steroid injections don’t help?

If steroid injections don’t provide the level of pain relief you need, you’re not out of options. Our team of board-certified podiatrists may suggest surgical interventions, including decompression surgery.

If neuroma pain is keeping you off your feet, don’t hesitate to request an appointment today at any of our locations in Tamarac, Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs, Boca Raton, and Hollywood, Florida. 

Whether you need corticosteroid injections or decompression surgery, we help you get back on your feet.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Do Hammertoes Require Surgery?

A hammertoe is a painful condition in which the middle joint of your toe bends abnormally and resembles a hammer-like shape. If you’re dealing with a hammertoe, you might wonder if you need surgery. Read on to find out.

Why Diabetics Should Take Extra Care of Their Feet

High blood sugar can affect all parts of your body, including your feet. If you’re not sure how diabetes affects your feet, read on and learn five reasons why diabetics should take extra care of their feet.

Signs of a Tendon Rupture in Your Ankle

Tendons connect your bones with your muscles, but if these connective tissues rupture, the injury can cause mobility issues as well as pain. Read on to explore the signs that you’re dealing with a tendon rupture.

4 Ways to Prevent Severe Bunion Pain

When your toe joint is pushed out of alignment, you have a bunion, and bunions can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort. These four strategies can help prevent severe bunion pain.

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment is a medical therapy in which you breathe in pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. It plays a pivotal role in wound healing and helping with diabetic ulcers, but what exactly should you expect? Find out here.

How Type 1 Diabetes Affects Your Feet

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder that develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough or any insulin. While this affects your blood sugar levels, it can also affect your foot health. Read on to learn how Type 1 diabetes affects your feet.