NeuromasDo you experience a sensation of burning and/or tingling at the tips of your toes? Is this pain frequently relieved by removing your shoes or massaging your feet?These are a few of the symptoms described by those suffering from a common
foot condition known as a Morton’s Neuroma. Although generally a benign
condition, a neuroma can be quite annoying and cause extensive discomfort.
TreatmentTreatment begins with conservative padding and strapping of the foot. Orthotic devices are very effective for treating this problem. Either the rigid (graphite fiber devices) or the sports orthotics are effective for the treatment of a neuroma. Sometimes a metatarsal pad needs to be incorporated into the orthotic. Other treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, steroid injections and the changing of shoe types. Although early diagnosis and treatment of the problem will increase the success of conservative care, surgical excision of the involved nerve mass provides the best relief from this painful condition, particularly in chronic cases. In such cases our doctors employ precise surgical techniques to identify and remove the offending benign (non-cancerous) tumor. It is important that proper dissection is used to prevent reoccurrence and/or prolonged recovery. Please e-mail us with your questions. |
A Morton's Neuroma is an irritated, thickening of the
nerve in the ball of the foot, usually described as a pain located between the
base of the third and fourth toes. The involved nerve is sometimes squeezed and
irritated by these adjacent metatarsal heads located in the ball of the foot,
causing the painful neuroma to develop. This area is already subjected to
considerable pressures from shoes and walking. We
now know from experience that a neuroma can also develop between the second and
third metatarsals. In fact, a neuroma can develop anywhere there is a nerve. Neuromas are more commonly a problem for women. High-heeled shoes with cramped
pointed tips cause additional pressure and irritation on the nerves in the ball
of the foot. Individual complaints and symptoms
for a neuroma vary. Frequently, a burning sensation is experienced in the ball
of the foot. Patients also complain of cramping in the foot. A sharp pain is
sometimes experienced between the bones (metatarsal heads) at the base of the
toes. This pain, and sometimes a feeling of numbness or burning, may involve the
corresponding toes that the nerve supplies. Of course, walking in shoes
aggravates pain. Often patients say there is relief after removing their shoes
and perhaps massaging their foot. Less commonly, patients describe a sensation
of pressure such as "walking on a pebble" because the inflamed, swollen nerve is
felt under the ball of the foot. A neuroma may be the result of an injury or
from wearing the wrong shoes. Most of the time, patients have no recollection of
any injury. A diagnosis of neuroma is based on the
symptoms described by the patient and a good clinical exam. A clinical exam will
rule out other disorders, which may be present with similar symptoms. A neuroma
is a non-cancer growth in the foot. Stress fractures, metatarsalgia, rheumatoid
arthritis, diabetic neuropathy and referred pain from the back are just a few
conditions which cause foot pain. 