What is a neuroma of the foot?
A neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve in your foot becomes irritated and inflamed and causes swelling in the tissue around it. Most of the time, foot neuroma’s occur in the ball of the foot, near the base of the toes. Morton’s neuroma is the most common foot neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes.
What are the symptoms of a neuroma?
Neuromas are characterized by nerve pain, that burns, sears, or feels hot. Some of the other common symptoms of neuroma are:
- Numbness or tingling
- A bump between your toes
- Pain when standing or walking
A neuroma can cause symptoms that range in severity and duration.
What are the possible causes of a neuroma?
Sometimes, neuromas develop without an apparent cause, but some things that can increase your risk of the condition include:
- Wearing high heels
- Wearing tight shoes
- High-impact exercise
- Bunions
- Flat feet
- Hammertoes
Abnormalities in your gait or the structures of your feet can also contribute to the neuroma because these problems create extra pressure around the nerves in the ball of your foot.
How is a neuroma diagnosed?
The skilled team at the Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC diagnose neuroma with a thorough foot exam that includes an X-ray and a review of your health history. Your highly-trained provider can put pressure on the affected area or have you walk around to demonstrate your symptoms in order to determine the reason your nerve tissue has become inflamed.
How is a neuroma treated?
Once you’ve been diagnosed with a neuroma, your provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan to reduce inflammation and ease your pain. Your plan can include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Pain medication
- Changes in footwear
- Changes in activity
- Foot pads or custom orthotics
If these treatments don’t relieve your neuroma pain, laser therapy or surgery would be your best options. The skilled orthopedic surgeons at the Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC can help to safely end your neuroma pain.
If you’re suffering from a painful and distressing neuroma, call Foot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC office nearest you today or request a visit online to schedule a foot evaluation.
