Rec Center Physical Therapy

Aches or Pains limiting your daily activities in life?

Physical Therapists have the most specialized education to improve quality of life without surgery or prescription drugs.

Consider our expert care at Rec Center Physical Therapy as your first line of defense to address any limitations you may be experiencing.

Your First Visit

• Allow at least 1 hour for the first visit
• Child care available
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring insurance card and doctor's referral/order if applicable
• All patients under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
• Front row parking is available for our patients (next to handicapped parking)
• Bring or wear comfortable clothing to allow accessible treatment for your evaluation. (clinic may also provide you with clothing)

Neuromas

Definition

The word part "neur-" refers to nerves. The word part "-oma" refers to a tumor or growth. Neuromas of the foot are benign (or non-cancerous.) The area of the foot that most commonly develops a neuroma is the ball of the foot, specifically between the 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 3rd toes.

Mechanism of Injury

Repetitive or chronic abnormal movement or strain to the space between those joints causes excess pressure or rubbing on the nerves, which in response thicken and bunch up to make a lump like a tumor. This excess tissue causes pressure on the nerves that they would not normally experience.

Symptoms

• Tingling, numbness, or shooting pains in the ball of the foot and sometimes into the toes.
• Worse with walking or standing, but can also be painful when one is not on the feet.
• Sometimes there is swelling over the top of the ball of the foot or between the toes.

Physical Therapy Intervention

Physical therapists will evaluate and assess the position and movement of the foot, ankle and lower leg to determine the likely cause of the problem and provide appropriate treatment to decrease pain, swelling and biomechanical causes of the excess stress to the ball of the foot. Correction of faulty movement of the foot and ankle often alleviate this problem. Modalities to decrease pain and inflammation, combined with appropriate exercise and stretching will be prescribed by the PT to help relieve the symptoms of this problem. Over-the-counter or in some cases, custom orthotics (shoe inserts), often help relieve the stress to the ball of the foot. Some people require injections or surgery to alleviate the symptoms if conservative treatment is not used or fails. In these cases, PT is also helpful post-operatively. Physical therapy will help get you back on your feet again!