Neuroma

What is a neuroma?

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.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

Neuromas typically don’t cause any outward signs, like a visible lump. But you may experience the following symptoms:

• Burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Feeling like you’re standing on a pebble
• Numbness or tingling in your toes

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.

What causes a neuroma?

Anything that irritates your nerve tissue can lead to a neuroma. Common neuroma causes include:

• Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels
• Having foot deformities like a bunion, flatfoot, or hammertoe
• Having injured the affected foot in the past

High-impact activities that involve repetitive stress to the foot, like running, may also cause a neuroma.

How are neuromas diagnosed and treated?

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:

• Changing to more comfortable shoes with a wider toe box
• Avoiding activities that aggravate the neuroma
• Therapeutic injections of steroids and local anesthetics

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.