Neuromas

Neuromas are enlarged, benign growths affecting the foot nerves, typically between the third and fourth toes. If you develop a painful neuroma, visit Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, at Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California. They excel at diagnosing and treating conditions like Morton’s neuroma and other nerve disorders affecting the feet. Call the Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. office today or schedule a consultation online for prompt relief of neuroma pain.

What are neuromas?

A neuroma is a nerve in your foot that becomes inflamed. The resulting swelling irritates the tissues surrounding the nerve. The growth that forms is benign (noncancerous) but can hurt.

Morton’s neuroma — the most common type — typically develops between your third and fourth toes. Neuromas can also form on the ball of your foot, between other toes, or elsewhere.

What symptoms indicate I have a neuroma?

Neuroma symptoms might be constant or come and go. Common ones include:

• Numbness
• Tingling 
• Burning or searing pain
• Difficulty standing for long periods
• A bump between your toes

The bump often feels like you’ve got something stuck in your shoe

Removing your footwear and flexing or rubbing the affected area may reduce the pain. However, it usually returns if you put on your shoes or stand up and walk around.

Why would I have a neuroma?

The nerve irritation and enlargement causing neuromas develop when the tissues inside your feet repeatedly rub against the nerves. This friction is often due to wearing poorly fitting footwear, especially high heels, and tight shoes.

Another risk factor for neuromas is abnormal bone structure in the feet. Flat feet (fallen arches), bunions (bony lumps at the base of your big toes), hammertoes (toes that bend downward), or any other abnormality puts extra pressure on your feet’s nerves that could cause a neuroma.

What treatments help with neuromas?

Your experienced Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. podiatrist begins your neuroma treatment with conservative measures, which may include:

• Footwear changes
• Activity modifications
• Foot pads
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections
• Custom orthotics

Orthotics are inserts you wear inside your shoes. They support and rebalance your feet to relieve nerve pressure. Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. offers a custom service, designing orthotics for your unique needs.

If these treatments fail to reduce your neuroma symptoms, your podiatrist might recommend an in-office procedure, such as:

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses radio wave energy to heat and damage the nerve fibers. The injury reduces your nerves’ ability to send pain signals to your brain, offering a fast, noninvasive way to dampen pain without harming other soft tissues near the neuroma.

Minimally invasive surgery

Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. offers minimally invasive surgery if no other treatments work. Your surgeon removes the neuroma and maybe parts of the structures irritating your nerve.

Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. to schedule a neuroma consultation, or book an appointment online today.