A neuroma is a nerve tumor that can grow anywhere on the body. Foot neuromas are typically benign thickenings of nerve tissue between the third and fourth toes. This condition is also called Morton's neuroma. It often produces significant foot pain when walking, similar to the feeling of a stone stuck in your shoe. Below are some common symptoms of neuromas and how to prevent them.

What to Know About Neuromas 

What Are the Symptoms?

The most prominent sign of a neuroma is foot pain. Burning, numbness, or tingling may also be present. The toes, especially the third and fourth ones, might swell. Pain can sometimes be triggered by just placing pressure on the ball of the foot.

Usually the condition will be merely uncomfortable at first. Pain will be intermittent or only apparent when wearing certain footwear or engaging in certain activities. Removing the shoe and massaging the foot are often enough to relieve distress. Over time, the pain will become more frequent and intense as the tumor grows and compresses the nerve. It can eventually become debilitating. Thankfully, neuromas are rarely indicative of a larger, more serious medical issue and often heal on their own with proper care. 

How Can They Be Prevented?

Fortunately, there are several things you can do to reduce your likelihood of developing a neuroma. Compression and compaction of the toes will aggravate your nerves, so always choose footwear that provides adequate support while leaving some wiggle room. Make certain there’s enough padding under the ball of the foot in each shoe. If you wear shoes with narrow toes or heels greater than two inches in height, limit this type of footwear as much as possible, preferably for no more than a couple of hours at a time.

How Are They Treated? 

If you do develop Morton’s neuroma, your podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to limit the pressure placed on your toes. When combined with over-the-counter analgesics, soothing applications of ice to the area when resting at home, and gentle massage, this may help you achieve long-term foot pain relief and nerve healing. If these methods don’t prove effective, however, your foot doctor may recommend more extreme interventions, such as steroid injections, ligament surgery to relieve pressure, or complete surgical excision of the nerve. 

Foot & Ankle Specialists offer a variety of podiatric services to alleviate foot pain and help you recover from neuromas. Serving the Hamilton County, OH, area, their experienced and qualified specialists treat many foot care concerns to restore your ability to walk comfortably. Call (513) 769-4408 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.