Neuroma

A neuroma is the painful swelling of the nerves, which usually occurs in the ball or heel of the foot, causing pain. This condition may also feel like you’re “walking on a marble”.

You may detect signs of neuroma through different symptoms. Some common ones may include:

• Sporadic pain in the ball of the foot up to the toes
• Burning, tingling, or numbness of one or more toes
• Popping sensation when walking.
• Pain is often soothed by taking weight off the foot or by massaging the area

In the foot, there are the long bones called metatarsals and thin nerves running between them. These nerves split in a Y-shape when they reach the toes. If the metatarsals move abnormally, they can pinch the nerve between them, causing inflammation and, eventually, permanent nerve damage.

Morton's neuroma is the most common type of neuroma. It affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes and occurs after a nerve has been irritated or injured, either from a traumatic wound or damage suffered during surgery.

A physical examination and one or more imaging tests help in diagnosing a neuroma. These will determine whether the pain is caused by a neuroma or a condition with similar symptoms, such as arthritis, stress fractures, tendon inflammation, tarsal tunnel syndrome, or nerve compressions in the ankle or leg.

Morton’s neuroma treatment may be done through various nonsurgical treatments. This includes a combination of cortisone injections to reduce pain and swelling and orthotic inserts to correct any problematic metatarsal movement that causes discomfort. But if the nerve is permanently damaged, the patient may also decide to undergo chemical destruction of the nerve or have the nerve surgically removed.

For the proper care and treatment of your foot, it’s best to see a physician at the first sign of a foot disorder. Contact us at Thomas Podiatry & Associates today!