Neuromas

Do you have pain in the balls of your feet? Do you feel like you are walking on a rock, but when you look in your shoe nothing is there? You could have a neuroma.

A neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue. The thickening of the nerve is a result of the nerve getting compressed, irritated and inflamed which then results in pain. 

You may have heard of a Mortons Neuroma which occurs in the 3rd intermetatarsal space, however a neuroma can occur anywhere. 

How do you get a neuroma? Anything that causes compression and irritation of the nerve can lead to a neuroma. Some things that can lead to a neuroma are:

  • Wearing shoes that have tapered or small toe boxes. Wearing shoes like this repeatedly, over time can increase the pressure on the nerves in your feet, leading to a neuroma. 
  • People with certain foot deformities are at a higher risk of developing a neuroma. Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flatfeet.
  • Certain activities that put repetitive pressure on the balls of your feet can also lead to a neuroma, such as: running, ballet, and martial arts.
Photo By Anastasiya Gepp from Pexels

Symptoms of a Neuroma

If you have a neuroma you may have one of the following symptoms:

  • Burning, numbness or tingling in your toes
  • Pain in the ball of your foot
  • Feeling like you are walking on a rock or something is in your shoe

Conservative Treatment Options

Neuromas can be very painful, but there is treatment available! Some options include:

  • Activity modification – stop doing the activities, or modify the activities that cause you to put more pressure on the balls of your feet. 
  • Shoe gear modification – make sure your shoes are not adding unneeded pressure to your feet, especially in the toe box.
  • Cortisone Injection
  • Orthotics 

Surgical Treatment Options

If conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention can be offered. This often includes:

  • Decompressing the nerve
  • Removing the nerve

At Serenity Foot and Ankle Specialists we will always discuss all of your treatment options with you and come to a decision about treatment together. 

If you are having pain in the ball of your foot, call 847-380-3700 for an appointment today!

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