Neuroma

What causes a neuroma?

Neuromas develop due to thickening of nerves and tissue on the bottom of your foot, leading to irritation and compression of the nerves. Inappropriate footwear that has a tapered toe box or high-heeled shoes that force your feet into the toe box are common culprits. If you have a bunion, hammertoe, flat feet, or flexible feet, you’re also at risk for developing a neuroma. Overuse of the ball of your foot in certain sports or running may also be to blame.

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What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

The most common place to feel a neuroma is between the third and fourth toes — known as Morton’s neuroma — but neuromas can occur other places in the foot. You may have a neuroma if you have:

• Tingling or numbness in your toes

• The feeling that you’re standing on a pebble in your shoe

• Burning pain in the bottom of your foot that radiates to your toes

Symptoms usually develop gradually. At first, taking off your shoes and massaging your foot can relieve the pain. Resting from activities that aggravate the pain may also help early on. With time, however, the symptoms worsen and may persist for days or weeks. If left untreated, the neuroma grows larger and can cause permanent nerve damage.

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How is a neuroma diagnosed?

The doctors at West Morris Foot and Ankle examine your foot, carefully consider your symptoms, and evaluate your footwear and sports habits. The doctors manipulate your foot and, in some cases, order imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis.

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How is a neuroma treated?

You should schedule an appointment at West Morris Foot and Ankle at the first sign of discomfort so that you can head off a severe neuroma with conservative treatment. In the early stages, a neuroma may respond well to:

• Ice to reduce swelling

• Padding using shoe inserts

• Orthotic devices to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve

• Choosing shoes with a wider toe box and avoiding high heels

• Rest from activities that aggravate the neuroma

• Injections of cortisone or other compounds to ease pain

If you don’t respond well to these more conservative treatments, you may need surgery.

Don’t live with numbing, tingling pain in your foot and toes, come to West Morris Foot and Ankle to be evaluated for a neuroma. Call or book online.

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Are You Looking for Neuroma treatment  in Roxbury, NJ?

If you are looking for neuroma treatment, you should reach out to a well trained podiatrist. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or at our office at (973) 370-3759.