If you are one of the many Long Island, NY residents who have made a New Year’s resolution and are embarking on a path to improved wellness in 2016, we think it is an excellent decision. Physical activity leads to improved mood and energy levels, more restful sleep, and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Taking this step is essential for your optimal health, but we know that it can be tough when pinched nerves in the feet lead to painful symptoms. Fortunately, you have treatment options for managing nerve pain!
There are various reasons a nerve can be compressed, including stress from repetitive motion, injury, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain sports activities. Even carrying extra weight can lead to the pressure necessary to disrupt a nerve’s function and cause inflammation. Some risk factors and existing conditions make it more likely for an individual to have pressure or compression on a nerve. Some examples are diabetes, bone spurs, pregnancy, and even heredity.
Some of the most effective treatment options for pinched or compressed nerves include:
- Medications. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate inflammation around the nerve, thereby relieving painful symptoms. In addition to oral medication, corticosteroid injections are used for some patients.
- Physical therapy. Exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles around the affected nerve can serve to relieve pressure. Additionally, activity modification can help when certain movements aggravate it.
- Surgery. When a compressed nerve doesn’t respond to conservative treatment methods after a reasonable timeframe—which can be anywhere from several weeks to a few months—we may recommend the use of a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerve. The specific procedure used for one patient may vary from one used on another, so we will discuss your options first.
Remember, when you experience pain or unusual sensations in your foot or ankle, it’s an indication that something is wrong and needs to be addressed. In some instances, the core problem is a compressed or pinched nerve. Fortunately, you can find the care you need here at Foot Specialists of Long Island.
Our professionals are dedicated to your wellness and health, so contact our foot doctor office in Nassau County for more information today. Give us a call at (516) 804-9038 or schedule your appointment now by using our online form.