Pain in the ball of your foot and a feeling like you’re standing on a pebble may be due to a neuroma. Expert podiatrist Raymon Hanna, DPM, MD, AACFAS, diagnoses and treats neuromas at Alpha Omega Foot and Ankle in Palm Harbor, Florida. If you think you have a neuroma, call or book an appointment online today.
A neuroma involves swelling of the tissue around one of your nerves. Neuromas can develop in various locations in your body, but the most common neuroma to affect the foot is called a Morton’s neuroma. Sometimes called an intermetatarsal neuroma, a Morton’s neuroma develops in between your third and fourth toes.
Neuromas typically don’t cause any outward signs, like a visible lump. But you may experience the following symptoms:
Symptoms of a neuroma typically start out mild and gradually become more persistent and severe. At first, you may be able to find relief from changing footwear or avoiding activities that aggravate the neuroma.
If left untreated, the neuroma enlarges over time and the temporary changes in your nerve become permanent. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hanna at Alpha Omega Foot and Ankle as soon as you suspect you have a neuroma.
Anything that irritates your nerve tissue can lead to a neuroma. Common neuroma causes include:
High-impact activities that involve repetitive stress to the foot, like running, may also cause a neuroma.
First, Dr. Hanna reviews your symptoms and medical history. He carefully examines your foot and presses on it to check for a mass or area of tenderness. He may also take in-office imaging tests, like an ultrasound or fluoroscopy (a type of continuous X-ray).
Then, Dr. Hanna develops a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your neuroma symptoms. Treatment may begin with custom orthotics, which Dr. Hanna fits you for right in his office at Alpha Omega Foot and Ankle. Orthotics help to reduce pressure on the nerve.
Other nonsurgical treatments for a neuroma include:
If your symptoms continue despite conservative treatments, Dr. Hanna may recommend surgery to remove the enlarged nerve.
Neuromas are easiest to treat in their early stages — call Alpha Omega Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online today.