Neuroma

A neuroma is a thickening of a peripheral nerve, most often the nerve that runs between the third and fourth toe on the bottom of your foot. The team of skilled podiatrists at Montgomery Podiatry in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, specializes in diagnosing and treating neuromas that affect the feet. To find out if the pain you feel in the ball of your foot is a neuroma, call or schedule a consultation online today. 

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue, resulting in pain. You can develop a neuroma anywhere, but it most often affects the nerve on the bottom of the foot. That is called Morton's neuroma.

A neuroma isn’t a tumor but an overgrowth of nerve tissue. The nerve tissue thickens from excessive pressure or compression on the nerve. Morton’s neuroma is common.

People with flat feet or high arch or a foot deformity, like a bunion or hammertoe, are more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma. You may also develop the nerve condition if you wear shoes that put extra pressure on the ball of your feet, like high heels.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

Most people with a foot neuroma complain of pain in the ball of their foot. It feels like they have a pebble in their shoe. You may also feel burning or numbness in your foot. 

Neuroma symptoms start out gradually and worsen over time. At first, you may only have pain when wearing tight shoes or after spending long periods of time on your feet, and you can easily massage the pain away.

When the pain worsens, you may find it hard to walk. 

What happens during a neuroma consultation?

The team at Montgomery Podiatry specializes in diagnosing and treating a foot neuroma. They conduct a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with complaints of pain in the ball of your foot.

They review your symptoms and medical history and examine your feet, putting pressure on the nerve to see if it causes discomfort. 

What are the treatments for neuroma?

Treatment for neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms. Early diagnosis may prevent the need for surgical intervention. If you have a simple, under-developed neuroma, the team may recommend:

• A change in shoes
• Padding or taping the foot
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Custom orthotics

If conservative interventions fail to ease your symptoms or you have a thick neuroma, the team at Montgomery Podiatry may recommend surgery to remove the thick and inflamed portion of the nerve.

Early diagnosis and treatment of neuroma may prevent the need for surgery. Call Montgomery Podiatry or book an appointment online today.