neuroma treatment

what is neuroma?

A neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of nerve tissue. The most common type of neuroma is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs in the foot and is characterized by the thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to the toes, often between the third and fourth toes. This thickening can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area.

neuroma symptoms

The most common symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma, which is a type of neuroma that occurs in the foot, include:

• Pain: This can be a sharp, burning pain that usually occurs in the ball of the foot, in the area between the third and fourth toes. The pain can sometimes be felt in the toes as well.
• Tingling or numbness: This can be felt in the toes that are near the affected nerve.
• Burning sensation or feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe
• A sensation of having a “thickened” or “cushioned” toe or toes
• Symptoms may be worsen with walking or running
• These symptoms are usually temporary and occur when you are wearing shoes or doing activities that put pressure on your foot.

The symptoms of neuroma can be similar to those of other conditions, such as metatarsalgia (inflammation of the metatarsal bones) or plantar fasciitis (inflammation of the plantar fascia), so it’s important to have a proper diagnosis before starting any treatment.

what causes neuroma?

There are several possible causes of a neuroma, but the most common cause is repetitive stress or injury to the foot. Some of the factors that can contribute to the development of a neuroma include:

• Wearing shoes that fit poorly or have high heels: High heels can put extra pressure on the ball of the foot, which can lead to the development of a neuroma. Wearing shoes that are too tight can also cause irritation and inflammation of the nerve.
• Foot problems: People with conditions such as flat feet or hammertoes may be more likely to develop a neuroma.
• Repetitive activities: People who participate in sports or activities that involve repetitive motions of the foot, such as running, tennis, or basketball, may be at a higher risk for developing a neuroma.
• Trauma: The nerve may be damaged by injury, for example, direct blunt force trauma or repetitive micro-trauma.

It is important to note that there isn’t always a specific cause found for a neuroma, for some individuals it may just happen without any apparent reason.

treatment

Treatment for a neuroma typically begins with conservative measures, such as:

• Pressure on the affected nerve. Avoid shoes with high heels or tight toes.
• Orthotics: Custom made or over-the-counter shoe inserts or orthotics can help redistribute pressure on the foot and alleviate symptoms.
• Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain.
• Ice: Applying an ice pack to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief
• Physical therapy: exercises to improve foot and ankle strength and flexibility can also be helpful.

If these conservative measures are not effective in relieving symptoms, Dr. Sheth may consider other treatment options. The type of treatment that’s best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your neuroma. These treatments include:

• Corticosteroid injection: a corticosteroid injection can be used to reduce inflammation and pain
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma. Surgery is usually a last resort when all other options have failed.

---

call us today for a consultation.