A neuroma is a nerve tissue growth often located between the third and fourth toes. Although benign, a neuroma can be painful with a burning sensation or numbness.

These factors can contribute to a neuroma:Neuroma 300x239

Symptoms

Neuroma symptoms include:

Treatment

If you suspect a neuroma, try some home treatment. Switch to shoes with plenty of toe room and low heels. Proper shoes will have shock-absorbent soles and insoles to keep excessive pressure off your foot.

Rest your foot as much as possible and ice to relieve discomfort. Massaging the area can temporarily ease neuroma pain.

When these methods don’t work, it’s time to visit your podiatrist. Left untreated, neuromas may worsen. The earlier it is treated, the sooner the neuroma will heal.

We will relieve the pressure from the area. Padding the ball of the foot can relieve neuroma symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections can ease pain and inflammation.

Custom-fitted orthotics can help control foot function while they relieve symptoms and prevent worsening.

For more severe neuromas, we will discuss surgery with you. The outpatient surgery removes the enlarged nerve.

Prevention

These preventive steps can help: