Neuromas
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a "pinched nerve"
or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found
between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation,
tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a "pinched nerve"
or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found
between the third and fourth toes that brings on pain, a burning sensation,
tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot shoe.
The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.
Symptoms
- Pain in the forefoot and between the toes.
- Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot.
- Swelling between the toes.
- Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it
How Do You Get a Neuroma?
Although the exact cause for this condition is unclear, a number of factors
can contribute to the formation of a neuroma.
- Trauma can cause damage to the nerve, resulting in inflammation or swelling
of the nerve.
- Improper footwear that causes the toes to be squeezed together is problematic.
Avoid high- heeled shoes higher than two inches. Shoes at this height
can increase pressure on the forefoot area.
- Repeated stress, common to many occupations, can create or aggravate a neuroma.
What Can You Do for Relief?
- Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces
or buckles that allow for width adjustment.
- Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles and proper insoles that are
designed to keep excessive pressure off of the foot.
- High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place undue
strain on the forefoot and can contribute to a number of foot problems.
- Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate
neuroma pain. Use an ice pack to help to dull the pain and improve comfort.
- Use over-the-counter shoe pads. These pads can relieve pressure around
the affected area.
Treatment by Your Podiatric Physician
Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying
the neuroma early in its development is important to avoid surgical correction.
Podiatric medical care should be sought at the first sign of pain or discomfort;
if left untreated, neuromas tend to get worse. The primary goal of most
early treatment regimens is to relieve pressure on areas where a neuroma
develops. Your podiatric physician will examine and likely X-ray the affected
area and suggest a treatment plan that best suits your individual case.
Padding and Taping:
Special padding at the ball of the foot may change the abnormal foot function
and relieve the symptoms caused by the neuroma.
Medication:
Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can be prescribed to ease
acute pain and inflammation caused by the neuroma.
Orthotic Devices:
Custom shoe inserts made by your podiatrist may be useful in controlling
foot function. An orthotic device may reduce symptoms and prevent the
worsening of the condition.
Surgical Options:
When early treatments fail and the neuroma progresses past the threshold
for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary. The procedure,
which removes the inflamed and enlarged nerve, can usually be conducted
on an outpatient basis, with a recovery time that is often just a few
weeks. Your podiatric physician will thoroughly describe the surgical
procedures to be used and the results you can expect. Any pain following
surgery is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatrist.
Your Feet Aren't Supposed to Hurt
Remember that foot pain is not normal, and any disruption in foot function
limits your freedom and mobility. It is important to schedule an appointment
with your podiatrist at the first sign of pain or discomfort in your feet,
and follow proper maintenance guidelines to ensure their proper health
for the rest of your life. The advice in this pamphlet should not be used
as a substitute for a consultation or evaluation by a podiatric physician.
Neuroma Tips
- Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces
or buckles that allow for width adjustment.
- Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles and proper insoles that are
designed to keep excessive pressure off of the foot.
- High heels should be avoided whenever possible because they place undue
strain on the forefoot and can contribute to a number of foot problems.
- Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate
neuroma pain. Use an ice pack to help to dull the pain and improve comfort.
- For simple, undeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide
toe box is often adequate treatment to relieve symptoms, allowing the
condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, however,
podiatric medical treatment or surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.
- Use over-the-counter shoe pads. These pads can relieve pressure around
the affected area.