Neuromas Specialist

What are neuromas?

A neuroma, or Morton’s neuroma, is a benign nerve growth that usually develops between your third and fourth toes. Neuromas cause the nerves leading to your toes to thicken and swell. Over time, this causes pain in the ball of your foot. As the condition progresses, you might also experience stinging, burning, or numbness that affects your feet and toes. 

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

In their early stages, neuroma’s don’t always present obvious symptoms. For example, you won’t necessarily notice a bump or lump. Instead, you might experience:

• Tingling in your toes
• Numbness in your toes
• Burning pain 
• Trouble standing up

Non-serious foot pain usually lasts for only a day or two and responds to conservative measures of care. However, if your pain persists for more than a few days or it interferes with your daily routine, don’t hesitate to seek treatment from the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists. 

Who is at risk of developing a neuroma?

Neuromas affect people of all ages and genders, but there are several factors that may increase your risk, including:

• Wearing high heels
• Flat feet
• Bunions
• High arches

You’re also more likely to develop a neuroma if you play a high-impact sport such as running. Other activities that may increase your risk of a neuroma include rock climbing and snow skiing, as both require you to wear shoes that place extra pressure on your feet. 

How do you diagnose neuromas?

To diagnose a neuroma, your Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical history and asks you about your symptoms. 

Your podiatrist carefully presses on your foot and toes to feel for a mass or tender spot. Your podiatrist might also feel for “clicking” sensations between the bones of your foot.

If these tests don’t provide adequate information, your doctor might also recommend taking a series of X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and underlying structures in your feet. 

How do you treat neuromas?

Treatment for neuromas depends on the location and severity of the problem. Whenever possible, the team at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists uses conservative, noninvasive means of treatment to relieve neuroma pain. 

For example, your doctor might recommend physical therapy or wearing custom orthotics. If your pain persists, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary. There are two types of neuroma surgeries: decompression surgery and nerve removal surgery. 

Following an exam and review of your symptoms, your doctor can make recommendations that align with your individual needs. 

Don’t let pain in the ball of your foot prevent you from living the active, healthy life you love. Make an appointment at Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC by calling the office nearest you or by clicking the online booking tool.