Neuromas

What are neuromas?

Neuromas are benign (noncancerous) tumors that form around a nerve. The most common type, Morton’s neuroma, is a thick portion of tissue that commonly develops in the nerve between the third and fourth toes.

Neuromas are difficult to diagnose because they can’t be seen through the skin. The pain can be intermittent or intensify during certain activities.

What are the symptoms of neuromas?

Morton’s neuroma doesn’t always cause constant pain. Most individuals experience burning pain from the bottom of the toes to the ball of the foot when wearing narrow shoes, such as high-heels. Physical activities, like running, often aggravate neuromas.

Pain from Morton’s neuroma tends to subside during times of rest. Wearing comfortable shoes and staying off your feet during flare-ups can help relieve the symptoms.

What causes neuromas?

The most common cause of Morton’s neuroma is compression of the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Nerve compression can occur for many reasons, such as:

• Wearing high-heels or narrow flats
• Wearing shoes that are too tight
• Running or jogging
• High arches or flat feet
• Bunions
• Hammertoes

The best way to prevent pain from neuromas is to invest in appropriate footwear and seek treatment for foot abnormalities as early as possible.

How are neuromas diagnosed?

During your visit to Total Family Foot Care, Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry examines your affected foot and applies pressure to the area of pain. Your doctor also presses into the space between the third and fourth toes to check for a small lump of tissue.

Next, the team performs a series of range of motion tests to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis. If necessary, they may also order imaging tests, such as X-rays, to view the internal structures of your foot.

What are the treatments for neuromas?

How Dr. Wright or Dr. Perry treats your neuroma depends on its severity. If your condition only flares up from time to time, your doctor may recommend shoe modifications. However, more advanced neuromas may require additional treatment, such as:

Custom-made orthotics

Orthotics are custom-made shoe inserts that address structural abnormalities in the feet. Orthotics can help relieve pressure from the nerve between the second and third toes to reduce pain and inflammation.

Metatarsal pad

Metatarsal pads are soft shoe inserts that wrap around the toes and ball of your foot to remove pressure from the nerve between the third and fourth toes.

Injections

Corticosteroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the area surrounding your affected nerve for fast pain relief.

To learn more about neuromas, call Total Family Foot Care or schedule an appointment online today.