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Many people spend hours on their feet, either at work, running errands, or working out. Therefore, unexplained foot pain can be both unpleasant and worrisome. If you have discomfort between your toes, you might have a neuroma. Learn more about this ailment, as well as how a foot doctor can help, in the sections below.

What Is a Neuroma?

A neuroma is a benign growth, or tumor, comprised of nerve tissue, which usually develops between the third and fourth toes. It’s sometimes called a pinched nerve, as it produces a tingling, burning, or numb sensation in the surrounding areas. If you have a neuroma, it may be painful to walk, as if you’re stepping on a small rock in your shoe.

This condition is sometimes caused by an injury, which results in inflammation of the associated nerve. In other cases, the damage may occur gradually, such as from repeated stress to the foot when performing strenuous activity, or when wearing tight-toed, high-heeled footwear. If your arches are abnormally flat or high, you’re more at risk of developing a neuroma between the toe joints.

How Can a Foot Doctor Help?

foot doctorBy seeing a podiatrist, you can find out for sure whether you have a neuroma or another ailment. If you do have this nerve tissue tumor, and the shape of your foot caused it, a foot doctor can use specially designed pads and tape to alter the position of your foot as you walk, alleviating the pain. Similarly, they may design custom orthotics, which are shoe inserts that offer improved stability for your toe joints.

To supplement these solutions, podiatrists can prescribe medication to minimize inflammation or administer injections of cortisone, a steroid that reduces swelling. In more extreme cases, a foot doctor may suggest surgery to extract the nerve tissue. Luckily, this is usually an outpatient procedure with minimal recovery time. 

 

 

If you have foot pain and believe you may have a neuroma, reach out to Louise E. Tortora, DPM. She serves patients across Fairfield County, CT, from both her Fairfield-based office and Bridgeport Hospital. Whether you need a bunion removed or treatment for diabetes-related foot complications, you can trust this foot doctor to provide personalized care. For more information on her services, visit her website or call (203) 254-0093 to make an appointment.

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