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Do you have pain, burning, tingling, or numbness between your toes and in the ball of your foot? If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms, you may have a neuroma. Neuromas are often described as nerve tumors, involving swelling within the nerve that may result in permanent nerve damage. Foot neuromas appear to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. Over time, the nerve becomes thickened and swollen, which may cause symptoms of pain, numbness, stinging, burning or electrical sensations into the toes. What is a Neuroma? A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton's neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes and is also known as intermetatarsal neuroma. An intermetatarsal neuroma may occur between any toes of the foot. The thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. The compression creates an enlargement of the nerve, which may lead to permanent nerve damage. Symptoms of a neuroma of the foot may include: • Pain in the forefoot and between the toes
• Tingling and numbness of the ball of the foot
• Swelling between the toes
• Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it Anything that may cause irritation or compression of your foot nerve may lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common causes is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. The constant force of your toes in the shoes can cause pain and lead to a painful neuroma.
People who have certain foot deformities - bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or more flexible feet - are at a higher risk for developing a neuroma. Other potential causes include activities that involve repeated irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or sprinting. An injury to the area may also lead to a neuroma. Treating a Neuroma Your podiatrist will first determine how long you have had a neuroma and evaluate the current stage of development because treatment approaches can vary according to the severity of the problem. For mild to moderate neuromas, treatment may include: • Padding
• Icing
• Orthotic devices
• Activity modifications
• Shoe modifications
• Medications
• Injection therapy Surgery might be needed if you have not properly responded to non-surgical treatments. Because Morton's Neuroma has been found to be caused by chronic nerve compression or a pinched nerve, the nerve should be decompressed by releasing the deep transverse metatarsal ligament, which is compressing the adjacent metatarsal bones against the swollen nerve. The recovery time for decompression is much quicker and less painful than surgically removing the nerve from the foot. For more information on neuroma treatment visit your podiatrist in Scottsdale. Your podiatrist can diagnose and treat your neuroma properly.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier podiatrist in Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. David Richer. Offering an array of services, Dr. Richer has been practicing podiatry in Scottsdale since 2001. He provides medical and surgical care of the foot, ankle, and leg. Dr. Richer has specialty training in treating diabetics, neuropathy, wounds, ulcers, peripheral nerve problems, neuropathy and other foot care in Scottsdale.
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