Neuroma Specialist

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is an abnormal growth of nerve tissue. You can develop neuromas anywhere on the body, but they most often occur on the nerve tissue found between the third and fourth toe on the bottom of the feet.

A neuroma that affects the foot is known as Morton’s neuroma. 

Any condition that compresses or irritates the nerve in your foot may cause a neuroma. You may be at greater risk of developing Morton’s neuroma if you wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with a narrow toe box. 

People with foot deformities, like bunions and hammertoes, are also at greater risk of developing this type of neuroma.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

Pain in the soft padding between your third and fourth toe is the most common symptom of a neuroma. The pain may radiate into your toes or cause other sensations such as burning, tingling, or numbness.

The pain tends to worsen with activity and gets better when you rest, take off your shoe, and rub the ball of your foot. 

If you have this type of foot pain, schedule a consultation at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates.

How is a neuroma diagnosed?

The Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team conducts a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose a neuroma. During your visit, your podiatrist reviews your symptoms, examines your feet, and looks for a mass on the ball of your foot. 

They may press on the mass or the ball of your foot to assess your symptoms and look for other causes that might explain your pain, such as stress fractures. 

Your podiatrist performs several functional tests to confirm or rule out a neuroma. They may also request X-rays. 

How is a neuroma treated?

Initially, the Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates team takes a nonsurgical approach to the treatment of neuromas. Your treatment plan may include:

• Change in footwear
• Custom-made orthotics
• Icing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Foot padding
• Activity modification
• Injection therapy

Most people with a neuroma get good results from conservative care. However, if you continue to have pain from your neuroma, the team at Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates may recommend surgery.

During surgery for a neuroma, your surgeon removes the enlarged, inflamed nerve to ease your symptoms.

To find out what’s causing your foot pain, call Brandywine Foot and Ankle Associates or schedule an appointment online today.