Neuroma

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma of the foot, commonly called Morton’s neuroma, is a pain-causing condition resulting from an enlarged, damaged, and inflamed nerve. It causes pain in the bottom of your forefoot — often behind your third and fourth toes. The exact cause isn’t known, but neuromas are related to nerve pressure. Dr. Frank can help you ease bothersome symptoms of foot neuromas. 

Which symptoms can neuromas cause?

Foot neuromas can cause:

• Forefoot pain
• Sharp discomfort
• Burning
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Stinging
• Pins and needles feeling
• Discomfort when stretching your toes
• Clicking sensation in your forefoot
• Stabbing or shooting pain
• Difficulty walking
• Discomfort on the ball of the foot
• Foot swelling
• Pain that increases with activity
• Discomfort that lessens with rest
• Pain between toes when you walk or stand

It might feel like you’re stepping on a marble or you have a stone in your shoe because of a neuroma. Foot pain may increase when you stand on the ball of your foot or wear high-heeled shoes. When left untreated, neuromas can grow and cause permanent nerve damage. 

What are the risk factors for foot neuromas?

Foot neuroma risk factors include:

• Pressure on your toes 
• Poor-fitted shoes (such as high heels)
• Playing sports
• Running
• Physically demanding job
• High arches in your feet
• Flat feet
• Hammertoes
• Bunions
• Foot injuries
• Being on your feet for long periods

Prevention measures include wearing comfortable shoes, not overtraining, and seeking prompt treatment for a foot injury. 

How are neuromas diagnosed?

Dr. Frank examines your feet and toes, discusses your symptoms, and reviews your medical history to determine if you have a foot neuroma. If Dr. Frank suspects another condition is causing your discomfort, he may suggest you undergo X-rays, an ultrasound, an MRI, or another imaging procedure. He might also order nerve and/or muscle function testing.

How are neuromas treated?

Your personalized foot neuroma treatment plan may consist of:

• Changing your footwear
• Reducing repetitive physical activity
• Laser therapy
• Shockwave therapy 
• Orthotics
• Shoe pads
• Ice packs
• Medications
• Cortisone shots
• Minimally invasive surgery

Dr. Frank may suggest surgery if your symptoms are severe or don’t resolve with conservative treatments. He may remove part of a painful nerve, use extreme cold to destroy the nerve, or use radiofrequency ablation to destroy a painful nerve in your foot. 

Prevention measures include wearing comfortable shoes, staying active by doing low-impact exercises, eating nutritious foods, maintaining an ideal weight, and adopting additional healthy lifestyle habits. 

Schedule a neuroma evaluation with Howard Frank, DPM, by calling his office or requesting an appointment online today.