Neuromas

What is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a painful condition caused by enlargement of a nerve in the foot. It is a benign growth on the nerve that frequently occurs between the 3rd and 4th toes. It is commonly described as pain, burning, tingling, or numbness between the toes and ball of the foot. The pain is mostly while walking and relieved by stopping and rubbing the effected area. Some patients describe the pain as "walking on rocks". Neuromas are more common in women then men.

Symptoms

• Pain in the ball of the foot and between the toes.
• Tingling and numbness in the toes or ball of the foot.
• Swelling between the toes.

How Do You Get a Neuroma?

The exact cause of neuromas is unknown. There are some factors that contribute to the formation of neuromas.

• High-arched foot or a flat foot, can lead to the formation of a neuroma. These foot types bring on instability around the toe joints, leading to the development of the condition.
• Trauma can cause damage to the nerve, resulting in inflammation or swelling of the nerve.
• Wearing shoes that cause the toes to squeeze together can cause the nerve to be irritated. Shoes with heels higher then two inches can cause pressure in the ball of the foot which can also irritate the nerve.
• Repeated stress, common to many occupations, can create or aggravate a neuroma.

What Can You Do for Relief?

• Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment.
• Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles and proper insoles that are designed to keep excessive pressure off of the foot.
• High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place undo strain on the ball of the foot and can contribute to a number of foot problems.
• Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate neuroma pain. Use an ice pack to help to dull the pain and improve comfort.
• Use over-the-counter shoe pads. These pads can relieve pressure around the affected area.

Treatment Options

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the neuroma. The earlier a neuroma is diagnosed and treated, the better the prognosis. If left untreated, neuromas just become worse and less responsive to non surgical treatment.

You should contact our office at the first sign of pain in the foot. We will examine your foot and possibly take an x-ray. We will personalize an appropriate treatment plan for you. Some of the most common non surgical treatment options include, Padding and strapping, Anti inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, and custom made orthotics. The goal of treatment is to reduce pressure in the area and bring down the inflammation. Often the neuroma is non responsive to the non surgical treatment or has passed the threshold for such treatments. When this occurs, we will discuss surgical options with you. The surgical intervention involves removal of the inflamed and enlarged nerve, which is done on outpatient basis. However, we have a brand new state of the art treatment option which is less invasive with quicker recovery time. If you are thinking about having surgery or have pain that is not responding to any treatment options, call us NOW. We will perform a comprehensive foot and ankle evaluation to determine if this procedure is right for you.