Neuroma
Foot & Ankle Care of Colorado
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma in the foot is known as Morton’s neuroma, which typically forms between the third and fourth toes, also referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma due to its location between the metatarsal bones in the ball of the foot. Neuromas may also occur in other areas of the foot.
The thickening of the nerve in a neuroma results from compression and irritation, which leads to the nerve enlarging. This compression causes the symptoms associated with Morton’s neuroma and can eventually lead to permanent nerve damage.
Causes of Neuroma
Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can contribute to the development of a neuroma. One of the primary causes is wearing shoes with a tapered toe box or high heels that force the toes into a cramped position. Individuals with certain foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or highly flexible feet are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. Activities involving repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports, can also lead to neuroma formation. Additionally, an injury or trauma to the area may trigger the development of a neuroma.
Neuroma Symptoms
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:
- Tingling, burning or numbness
- Pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
- A feeling that there is something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
The progression of a Morton’s neuroma often follows this pattern:
- The symptoms begin gradually. At first, they occur only occasionally when wearing narrow-toed shoes or performing certain aggravating activities.
- The symptoms may go away temporarily by removing the shoe, massaging the foot or avoiding aggravating shoes or activities.
- Over time, the symptoms progressively worsen and may persist for several days or weeks.
- The symptoms become more intense as the neuroma enlarges and the temporary changes in the nerve become permanent.
Neuroma Diagnoses
To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot. During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. Other tests or imaging studies may be performed.
The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may help you avoid surgery.
Nonsurgical Treatments
In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you have had the neuroma and will evaluate its stage of development. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.
For mild to moderate neuromas, treatment options may include:
- Padding. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking.
- Icing. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling.
- Orthotic devices. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve.
- Activity modifications. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves.
- Shoe modifications. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels.
- Medications. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Injection therapy. Treatment may include injections of cortisone, local anesthetics or other agents.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery may be considered in patients who have not responded adequately to nonsurgical treatments. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the approach that is best for your condition. The length of the recovery period will vary depending on the procedure performed.
Regardless of whether you have undergone surgical or nonsurgical treatment, your surgeon will recommend long-term measures to help keep your symptoms from returning. These include appropriate footwear and modification of activities to reduce the repetitive pressure on the foot.
