Neuromas

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is swelling in the nerve between your toes, typically between the third and fourth toes.

You might be at increased risk for developing a neuroma if you have structural issues in your foot, such as flatfoot or a high arch. These conditions create instability in the joints of your toe, causing a neuroma.

Other common causes of neuromas include:

• Repetitive stress
• Trauma
• Nerve damage
• High-heeled shoes
• Tight-fitting shoes

Neuromas develop in men but are more common in women.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

A hallmark symptom of a neuroma is pain in between your toes, especially when you put pressure on the area.

Swelling between your toes is a common sign of a neuroma. You may also experience tingling or numbness in your toes that spreads into the ball of your foot.

Schedule a diagnostic evaluation with the podiatry team at Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery as soon as you experience persistent pain, indicating you may have a neuroma.

Without treatment, neuromas can worsen over time and become more challenging to treat.

How are neuromas treated?

Your treatment plan for neuromas depends on the severity of your symptoms. Initially, you might benefit from changing the type and size of shoes you wear to ones that provide adequate support for your feet and toes and aren’t tight.

You might find relief of mild neuroma symptoms using orthotics inserted into your shoe to take pressure off the nerve. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help you find relief from nerve pain.

If these conservative treatments don’t improve your condition, you might be a candidate for surgery. 

During a surgical procedure, your provider focuses on removing inflamed nerves so that you can enjoy long-term relief of your symptoms. The podiatry team performs this type of surgery in-office on an outpatient basis.

Your provider will also help you prevent recurrent neuroma pain. They might suggest you wear orthotics to cushion your foot and select shoes with enough room for your toes.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for neuromas, call the Premier Foot and Ankle Center & Elite Upper Extremity and Plastic Surgery office nearest you or book a consultation online today.