Neuromas: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Do you frequently experience pain in the ball of your foot? What about pain that occurs alongside tingling or the sensation that there’s a piece of gravel in your shoe? If you’re nodding your head, you may have a neuroma.

Neuromas are a common foot condition and affect about one-third of adults in the United States. At The Foot Institute in Shreveport and Natchitoches, Louisiana, Angelo Morreale, DPM, specializes in diagnosing and treating neuromas. Here’s what you should know about this common problem — from symptoms to treatment options.

Understanding neuromas

A neuroma, sometimes called a Morton’s neuroma, is a harmless enlargement of one of the nerves in your feet caused by chronic inflammation. The most common place for a neuroma to form is between the third and fourth toes, along one of the interdigital nerves (the nerves that run alongside the toe bones).

If one of your interdigital nerves becomes inflamed, it can make daily activities such as standing and walking painful. The good news is that neuromas can be easily treated, restoring your mobility and quality of life.

Common symptoms of neuromas

Neuromas present similar symptoms to other foot conditions. However, there are a few telltale signs to watch for, including:

Pain between your toes when standing or walking
Foot pain that worsens when wearing high heels or placing pressure on the balls of your feet
Burning sensation between your toes
A feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe
Tingling and numbness between your toes or in the ball of your foot

Symptoms are typically mild at first, but tend to worsen over time. If you experience any of these issues, don’t wait to undergo a comprehensive foot exam.

How a neuroma is diagnosed

Diagnosing a neuroma involves a quick physical exam and diagnostic imaging.

First, Dr. Morreale reviews your health history and examines your foot. More specifically, he examines the ball of your foot and checks between your toes, gently pressing on these areas to identify tenderness and reproduce your symptoms. Then, he uses ultrasound imaging to look at the nerves in your foot and check for a neuroma.

If Morreale doesn’t see any signs of a neuroma, he may also order X-rays or another type of diagnostic imaging to rule out arthritis and other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment for neuromas

Neuroma symptoms can often be managed with conservative, noninvasive treatments. Depending on the location of your neuroma and the severity of your symptoms, we may suggest:

Wearing shoes with wide toe boxes to take pressure off the affected nerve
Using over-the-counter shoe pads to cushion the area around the nerve
Custom orthotics to keep your toes in the correct position
Regular icing (cold therapy) and rest
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injections

Many people benefit from several of these treatments. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, you may be a candidate for surgery. Neuroma surgery typically involves removing the enlarged portion of the affected nerve to ease pain and restore mobility.

Don’t wait to get screened for a neuroma

Neuromas aren’t dangerous, but they can affect your mobility and keep you from activities you enjoy. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and help you get back to your routine.

To see if you have a neuroma, schedule a visit with Dr. Morreale at The Foot Institute: Call your nearest office in Shreveport or Natchitoches, Louisiana, today.