Healing Arts

Do you get any requests for asanas or Yogic techniques to heal the feet? Most of our students ask us about techniques for reducing stress, back pain, and body weight. As essential as our feet are to Yoga, we give them little thought. Maybe we would treat them differently if we realized how great an impact they have on the rest of our body and the clues they hold to its general condition.

The foot and ankle are made up of 26 bones, 33 joints and a myriad of blood vessels and nerves that extend to the spine and organs. To the trained eye, early signs of diabetes and other health issues can be found through careful examination of the feet.

On the other hand, neglecting and abusing the feet can lead to problems in other areas of the body. When our feet hurt, we compensate by changing our gait, increasing our chances of falling. Reduced activity caused by discomfort contributes to sedentary life styles and weight gain, and overuse and strain cause inflammatory conditions like plantar fasciitis and tendonitis, making exercise difficult and painful. On a systemic level, poor circulation complicates existing illnesses and creates new ones.

In Yoga, we rely on our feet for grounding and maintaining proper alignment, but we also use them to move and propel our bodies. For the feet to work properly, weight must be distributed evenly throughout the entire body. Yogic exercise elongates the spine, tones and stretches the muscles, and increases flexibility. Just as parts of the body have special jobs but work together, so do the poses in Yoga.

Neuroma is due to a pinched or compressed nerve. When this occurs in the foot, it is termed Morton’s neuroma. This causes foot pain and swelling, more commonly occurring between the third and fourth toes. Initial symptoms may be a tingling sensation which gets worse over time.

One of the common reasons being blamed for neuroma development is wearing too narrow shoes. Wearing ill fitting shoes and constant use of high heeled shoes is also one of the common causes. It is thought that wearing these types of shoes can cause the metatarsal bones of the feet to squeeze the nerve. This can lead to entrapment and irritation of the nerve. Running, jogging, racket sports, and other high impact activities seem to exacerbate neuroma pain. Even running barefoot can add to discomfort. Essentially, anything that irritates or compresses the nerve of the metatarsal bones can lead to neuroma.

It is best to wear good fitting shoes. A wider shoe keeps the metatarsal bones of the feet from being squeezed. It also minimizes the amount of stretch in the forefoot while walking. Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes. Be sure to change your shoes as soon as they start to show signs of wear. Test footwear before you buy them to ensure that they are appropriate for your feet.

People with foot problems were also found to be more susceptible to neuroma of the feet. Having any of the foot conditions such as flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, and bunions can increase the risk of neuroma development. Abnormal foot functions, such as if the feet roll inwards or pronate, can cause the nerve to be stretched lengthways. Again, this causes it to become irritated, leading to neuroma foot pain. For Morton’s neuroma caused by abnormal foot conditions, prescription orthotics to correct the problem is recommended. Foot pads and over-the-counter arch supports may also be used as alternatives. Padding techniques that support the metatarsal arch lessen the pressure on the nerve and relieve compression while walking.

To relieve pressure on the foot, calf stretching exercises may also be done. Your podiatrist or physical therapist can help you with the safe and proper ways to perform these. The stretching and strengthening exercises for the foot arch can be helpful both in prevention and rehabilitation.

If you feel you have neuroma pain, consult your physician. There are many conservative therapies for Morton’s neuroma available. The treatment for neuroma may depend on the duration of the condition and its severity. Surgery may not always be the best solution.

Lorrine Yen has many years of experience as a medical researcher and a professional health and medical writer. She creates high quality articles and specializes in health and medicine.

Surgery may not be always the answer to Morton’s neuroma. Too many people suffer from post neuroma surgery pain. If you have been seeking for answers to this problem but cannot find solutions elsewhere, you can find out about the se