Foot pain is an issue that many will experience briefly at some point in their life. However, this pain may become sharper, feel burning or prickly, and even have a numbness between the toes, which may signal something more than just heel pain. One common condition that causes these symptoms is a neuromas in feet. Knowing what this is, what causes it, and how it is treated will let you know what steps may need to be taken to begin to improve and find relief.
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we want to provide a better understanding and assist in diagnosing and treating knee-related conditions, including foot and ankle-related neuromas. This guide includes everything you need to know about neuromas, including symptoms, risk factors, and conservative and surgical management.
What Is a Neuroma in the Feet?
A neuroma in the feet, often called Morton’s neuroma, is a painful problem that involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. Nerve irritation typically occurs between the third and fourth toes and can result in sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot. People sometimes also describe feeling like there is a pebble or small rock stuck in their shoe.
Neuromas are benign (not cancerous), but can be very bothersome, especially if left untreated. Neuromas can occur in both men and women, but they are especially more likely in middle-aged women due to wearing shoes such as high heels or narrow shoes.
Causes of Neuromas in Feet
There are no single causes of neuromas in feet, but there are several factors that increase the chances of developing them. These include:
Footwear – Shoes with a pointy toe structure, high heel, or tight fitting put pressure on the toes and add strain to the nerves.
Foot Structure – People with flat feet, high arches, or biomechanical problems may be more likely to develop neuromas.
Repetitive Stress – Sports or activities that add repeated stress to the forefoot may lead to neuroma formation (running, tennis, ballet etc.)
Injury/Trauma – Unhealed injuries to the foot may lead to inflammation or aggravation to the nerves resulting in thickened tissue.
Common Symptoms of Neuromas in Feet
Being aware of the symptoms of neuromas in the feet is critical in seeking treatment before the neuromas worsen. Symptoms often include:
Burning pain in the ball of the foot, located between the toes.
Tingling or numbness in the toes.
The feeling as if you are walking on a small object, like a ball or marble.
Pain that increases with activity, standing, or wearing shoes that are too tight.
Relief of pain once the shoe is off, or with massage.
Because these symptoms are often seen in other foot conditions, seeing a foot and ankle specialist, such as the Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, is important for a proper diagnosis.
How Neuromas in Feet Are Diagnosed
A podiatrist will usually start by discussing your medical history, followed by an examination. During the examination, the doctor may gauge tenderness or a clicking sensation in the area between your toes. This may suggest a neuroma.
Other diagnostic options may include:
X-rays to rule out fractures or bone problems.
Ultrasound testing to determine if there are any soft tissue abnormalities.
MRI testing to more accurately identify the neuroma and measure its size.
An accurate diagnosis will ensure you choose a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your foot symptoms.
Non-Surgical Treatments for Neuromas in Feet
The good news is that a large number of foot neuromas can be effectively treated noninvasively, especially if they are identified early. Noninvasive therapies proven to be effective include the following:
1. Minor Changes to Shoes
Wearing shoes that are wide across the toes and metatarsal area, avoiding high heels, and using cushioned insoles will all decrease pressure on the nerve.
2. Orthotics
Orthotic devices individually made for your foot not only help to correct foot imbalances, but also help to redistribute pressure on the foot and minimize irritation to the nerve.
3. Activity Changes
Lowering high-impact activities which irritate symptoms may help the nerve settle and heal. Switching to low-impact activities like swimming or cycling may be a good option.
4. Medications or Injections
Pain and inflammation can be relieved with anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to the area surrounding the nerve.
5. Physical Therapy
Massage, stretching, and specific exercises can assist in improving foot mechanics and alleviating symptoms.
Surgical Options for Neuromas in Feet
In cases where conservative care has not been successful, surgery may be recommended. The surgical option generally involves either the removal of the inflamed nerve tissue or performing a release of the ligament that is causing the nerve compression.
At the Daniel Foot and Ankle Center, our specialists use state-of-the-art techniques in order to shorten recovery times and to increase both the short and long term relief. Surgery will be discussed after non-operative treatments have provided minimal or no benefit.
How Neuromas Compare to Other Foot Conditions
Foot pain can frequently be misunderstood for many other conditions, which is why a professional evaluation is critical. For instance, we have seen patients who complain of pain in the achilles tendon and heel pain questioning the possibility of neuromas; however, although they all may present pain in the general area of the foot, pain sources are different and treatment methods are different. Patients who have undergone procedures, such as a MIS bunion surgery, sometimes present new foot mechanics that change the likelihood of developing neuromas.
Children can also experience foot conditions that mimic or contribute to nerve conditions, and that is why it is always good to see a pediatric foot doctor if your child complains of foot pain or is exhibiting red flags in walking distance.
Tips to Prevent Neuromas in Feet
It’s always preferable to prevent neuromas rather than treat them. You can engage in prevention by doing the following:
Make sure to wear shoes with sufficient toe space and good arch support.
Do not wear high-heeled shoes or narrow-toed shoes for a prolonged time.
If you play high-impact sports, use padded insoles or orthotics.
Excess body weight puts excess stress on your feet.
Stretch your feet and toes regularly for flexibility.
Why Choose Deniel Foot and Ankle Center?
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we know first-hand how debilitating foot pain can be. Our team of experienced podiatrists will formulate personalized care plans to guide you on a path to better health involving foot neuromas and related issues, including bunions, heel pain, and pediatric foot problems.
With more advanced diagnostic capabilities and state-of-the-art treatment options readily available to us, we ensure that you achieve the best possible outcome. Whether we want to take a conservative approach, use custom orthotics or require surgery, we want you to be comfortable and mobile again.
Conclusion
Neuromas in the foot are a common yet painful condition that can seriously affect your day-to-day life if they go untreated. The first and best way to stop the problem before it grows worse is to recognize the symptoms early on and seek professional help. As long as you have received an accurate diagnosis and made modifications to your footwear or followed through with all non-surgical options, including injection therapy, surgery is an option to alleviate pain.
If you have persistent pain in your foot or if a neuroma is suspected, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Schedule your appointment today with Deniel Foot and Ankle Center and take your first step, pain-free and back to healthy feet.
