Neuromas

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma refers to the irritation or inflammation of a nerve in your foot that produces a non-cancerous swelling. As the nerve swells, the tissue surrounding the nerve gets increasingly irritated.

A Morton’s neuroma is the most common type of neuroma and develops between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas can also develop in-between other toes or in the ball of the foot.

What are the symptoms of neuroma?

Neuromas don’t always exhibit consistent symptoms. They can be intermittent or continuous. Some of the most common symptoms of neuromas include:

  • Burning pain
  • A bump in-between your toes
  • Problems standing for long periods
  • Numbness and tingling

In most cases, these symptoms manifest themselves when you’re wearing shoes, so you might notice that they go away once you take your shoes off or rub and flex your feet. However, symptoms of neuromas are known to come back the moment you walk or put your shoes back on.

What are the causes of neuromas?

The causes of neuromas are challenging to pinpoint. Nonetheless, your chances of developing a neuroma increase if you wear high heels or tight shoes frequently, as well as if you engage in high-impact exercises.

Neuromas can also develop as a result of any of the following issues.

  • Bunions
  • Hammertoes
  • Flat feet
  • Foot malformations

Any of the above conditions add pressure to your nerves.

How do you treat neuromas?

Podiatry is the leading branch of medicine to address neuromas in a time-efficient and painless manner. At Foot and Ankle Specialists, your podiatrist can recommend any of the following treatments options.

  • Cortisone injections
  • Footwear changes
  • Foot pads
  • Custom orthotics
  • Anti-inflammatory medication

Sometimes, these conservative treatments options aren’t enough to get rid of your pain. In this case, your podiatrist can recommend one of two more intensive procedures:

Minimally invasive surgery

To entirely remove the neuroma, your doctor can recommend a minimally invasive surgical procedure. During this procedure, your doctor either gets rid of the neuroma or portions of the tissue irritating your nerve. Minimally invasive surgeries of this nature come with a short recovery period.

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation uses heat therapy to heat the fibers of your nerves to modify their ability to transmit pain signals. Radiofrequency ablation causes no damage to neighboring tissue.

If you think you might be suffering from a neuroma, get in touch with the expert team of podiatrists at Foot and Ankle Specialists today by phone or through the online booking tool.

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