Neuroma

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a painful condition caused by a thickening of nerve tissue. The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.

The condition is also called a pinched nerve or a nerve tumor. The most common place for a neuroma to form is between the third and fourth toes, where it’s referred to as Morton’s neuroma. Neuromas may also occur in other parts of your foot.

The chief sign of a neuroma is pain between your toes when you walk. At times, the pain can feel similar to having a pebble in your shoe. You also may feel burning sensations or numbness between your toes and in the ball of your foot.

Left untreated, a neuroma can enlarge your nerve, eventually leading to permanent nerve damage.

How do I know if I have a neuroma?

If you have Morton’s neuroma, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:

• Pain
• Tingling, burning, or numbness
• A feeling there’s something in your shoe

You also may feel that your sock is balled up uncomfortably or have the sensation an object is inside the ball of your foot.

What are the stages of Morton’s neuroma?

Your symptoms begin gradually. Pain and other symptoms may only occur when you’re wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain activities that aggravate your foot.

Over time, your symptoms worsen and may persist for several days or weeks — even after you’ve removed the shoes that caused pain and avoided pain-causing activities. You notice your symptoms are becoming more intense as the neuroma enlarges.

The best time to see a podiatrist at Eastside Foot & Ankle is early in the early stages of your symptoms.

What causes neuromas?

One of the most common reasons is wearing shoes that cram your toes into a tight toe box. You’re also more prone to develop a neuroma with these foot deformities:

• Bunions
• Hammertoe
• Flat feet
• Flexible feet

An injury or another type of trauma may also lead to a neuroma.

How do podiatrists diagnose a neuroma?

The Eastside Foot & Ankle team reviews your medical history and thoroughly examines your foot. They may recommend tests or imaging studies.

Catching the progression of a neuroma in an early stage can help avoid the need for invasive treatments or surgery.

If walking is painful and you’re worried you have a neuroma, count on the skilled team at Eastside Foot & Ankle for expert diagnosis and care. Call today or book a consultation online.