Neuromas Q & A

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a nerve that’s become irritated and inflamed, causing a noncancerous swelling that creates further irritation in the tissue that surrounds the nerve.

Neuromas generally develop in the ball of the foot. Morton’s neuroma, which develops between the third and fourth toes, is the most common foot neuroma. However, a neuroma can also form between the other toes or elsewhere on your foot.

What are the symptoms of neuromas?

Signs and symptoms of neuromas may be intermittent or constant. Common symptoms include:

• Numbness or tingling
• Pain, often described as burning or searing
• A bump that feels like a “hot pebble” between your toes
• Difficulty standing for long periods

You may find that your pain improves when you remove your shoes and rub or flex your feet, but it usually returns quickly when you put your shoes back on, stand up, and move around.

What causes neuromas?

It’s not entirely clear what causes a neuroma, but wearing high heels or tight shoes and participating in high-impact exercise can contribute to the condition. If you have bunions, flatfeet, hammertoes, or any foot malformation that causes extra pressure on the nerves of your feet, you have a higher chance of developing a neuroma.

How are neuromas treated?

Conservative treatments to address your neuroma. These may include:

• Changes in footwear
• Activity modifications
• Foot pads
• Custom molded orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections
• Sclerosing Injections

If these options don’t relieve your neuroma pain, your podiatrist may recommend an in-office, outpatient procedure to address your neuroma. This may include:

Radiofrequency ablation

Radiofrequency ablation is a fast, nonsurgical procedure that heats the fibers of your nerve enough to damage their ability to transmit pain signals, without harming the other tissues in the area of the neuroma.

Minimally invasive surgery

In some cases, a minimally invasive surgical procedure to remove the neuroma or portions of the structures that are irritating your nerve may be the best solution. Minimally invasive surgeries come with less pain and a shorter recovery period compared to traditional surgeries.