How to Recover From a Neuroma
Things You'll Need
- Ice
Instructions
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Instructions
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Try self-care. Even if you aren't sure exactly what the problem is, ice can help with pain. Use an ice pack to rub or massage the part of your foot where the suspected Morton's neuroma is hurting.
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Get diagnosed. A neuroma in your foot may be easier to spot without a doctor than a neuroma on your cranial nerve. Your physician will determine what your problem is and how to best treat it. For Morton's neuroma, your doctor may suggest resting your foot, finding better-fitting shoes, orthotics such as arch supports, and over-the-counter medicines for inflammation and pain.
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3
Monitor your condition. Your doctor will watch the growth and development of an acoustic neuroma. There may be X-rays and hearing tests to see if you have developed hearing loss.
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4
Use injections. Corticosteroid injections are steroid medicines for pain and inflammation. Your doctor may use this treatment for Morton's neuroma or choose to offer you diluted alcohol injections.
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Use radiation treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure in which the doctor numbs your scalp, attaches a lightweight head frame, and uses imaging scans such as X-rays to find the acoustic neuroma on your brain. The doctor will aim a beam of radiation at your brain to shrink the neuroma.
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Have surgery. A surgeon will remove an acoustic neuroma while trying to preserve hearing and facial nerves. If those nerves are damaged, it can cause facial paralysis. Surgical removal of Morton's neuroma is used as a last resort because it requires the removal of nerves. This can cause permanent numbness in the toes.
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