If you've ever experienced burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the ball of your foot, you know how frustrating and debilitating it can be. You might find yourself limiting your activities, skipping exercises you enjoy, or even dreading taking a single step. These symptoms may indicate a neuroma, a condition that affects the nerves between your toes. But you don't have to suffer in silence or let foot pain control your life.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our skilled podiatrists have helped countless patients in the East Valley find relief from neuroma pain. With offices in Chandler and Gilbert, AZ, we offer comprehensive diagnostics and state-of-the-art treatments to address neuromas and other foot and ankle conditions. Our goal is to help you get back on your feet and enjoy your favorite activities as quickly and safely as possible. Read on to learn more about neuromas and how our team can assist you.
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of your body. In the foot, the most commonly occurring type is a Morton's neuroma, which often forms between the third and fourth toes. This condition causes the nerve to become irritated and inflamed, leading to uncomfortable symptoms.
It's important to note that the term "neuroma" in Morton's neuroma is slightly misleading. Neuromas are typically non-cancerous (benign) tumors that form on nerves, growing extra nerve tissue alongside healthy nerve tissue. However, a Morton's neuroma isn't actually new tissue growing on a nerve in your foot. Instead, your existing nerve tissue swells and thickens.
While Morton's neuromas can cause significant discomfort, they aren't a sign of cancer and don't lead to cancer. Common symptoms of a Morton's neuroma include:
- Burning, tingling, or numbness. You may feel these sensations in the ball of your foot, often radiating into the affected toes. The pain may be intermittent at first but tends to worsen over time.
- Like standing on a pebble. Many people with neuromas describe the sensation as feeling like a pebble is stuck in their shoe or a fold in their sock, even when there isn't.
- Pain improves when you stop activity. The discomfort often worsens with certain movements or when weight is applied to the affected area. Removing your shoe and massaging your foot may provide temporary relief.
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
Anything that compresses or irritates the nerves of the foot can contribute to neuroma development, such as:
- Foot deformities. Bunions, hammer toe, or flat feet that cause instability
- Footwear. Wearing high heels or shoes with a narrow toe box that squeeze the toes
- Repetitive stress. High-impact activities that subject your feet to repetitive motions
- Trauma. Suffering an injury that damages the nerve
While anyone can develop a neuroma, they tend to be more common in women, likely due to footwear choices. Individuals with occupations that require prolonged periods of standing or walking, such as teachers or retail workers, may also be at a higher risk. If the condition is left untreated, neuromas often get progressively worse and may lead to permanent nerve damage.
When to See a Podiatrist for Foot Pain
Many conditions can cause foot pain, tingling, or numbness, so it's essential to receive an accurate diagnosis. You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience:
- Pain that persists for more than a few days or interferes with your daily activities
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in your toes or the ball of your foot
- The feeling of a pebble in your shoe or a sock bunched up under your toes
- Discomfort that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
Catching and treating a neuroma early can help prevent the condition from progressing and reduce the risk of complications. The experienced podiatrists at Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers are here to help you find relief.
Comprehensive Exams to Diagnose Neuromas
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our podiatrists provide thorough evaluations to determine the underlying cause of your foot pain. During your appointment, we'll:
- Discuss your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history
- Physically examine your foot, checking for tenderness and manipulating your toes to see if it replicates your pain
- Take imaging tests like X-rays to rule out fractures or other foot conditions with similar symptoms
- Assess your gait and foot biomechanics to identify any structural issues that may contribute to neuroma development
In some cases, we may recommend additional testing, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to visualize the soft tissues in your foot and confirm the presence of a neuroma. These advanced imaging techniques allow us to determine the size and location of the neuroma, which helps guide treatment decisions. Once we have an accurate diagnosis, we'll work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan to manage your condition.
Effective Non-Surgical Treatments for Neuroma Pain
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our podiatrists begin with the most conservative and effective treatments. In many cases, neuromas respond well to non-surgical therapies, which may include:
- Medications. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation. For more severe discomfort, we may prescribe stronger NSAIDs or other medications to manage symptoms.
- Icing. Applying an ice pack to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and numb the area, providing temporary pain relief.
- Injections. We offer several types of injections to treat neuromas, including cortisone injections to reduce inflammation. Our podiatrists will determine the most appropriate injection type for your specific case.
- Regenerative medicine. Our practice offers advanced regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Leneva injections, to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the affected nerve. These cutting-edge treatments harness your body's natural healing potential to address the underlying cause of your neuroma pain.
- Orthotics and metatarsal pads. Custom orthotics and metatarsal pads are designed to redistribute pressure, provide cushioning, and reduce irritation to the affected nerve. These devices can help alleviate symptoms and prevent the neuroma from worsening.
- Footwear modifications. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and adequate cushioning can help reduce pressure on the neuroma. We'll provide guidance on selecting appropriate footwear for your foot type and activities.
- Physical therapy. Stretching exercises, massage, and other manual therapies can help improve foot function and alleviate neuroma pain. We'll work closely with you and your physical therapist to develop a targeted treatment plan.
Our goal is to help you find relief from neuroma pain and prevent the condition from progressing. We'll closely monitor your response to treatment and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.
Advanced Surgical Options for Neuromas
If conservative treatments don't provide sufficient relief, or if your neuroma is severe, we may recommend surgical intervention. Our skilled foot and ankle surgeons offer surgical options such as:
- Neurolysis. This procedure involves releasing the tight ligament that is compressing the affected nerve, creating more space in the ball of the foot. The nerve itself is not removed; only the surrounding tissue causing compression is addressed.
- Neurectomy. In this procedure, the affected portion of the nerve is surgically removed. While this provides permanent relief from neuroma pain, it can result in numbness in the adjacent toes. We'll discuss the potential risks and benefits of this option with you in detail.
Both neurolysis and neurectomy are typically performed on an outpatient basis using local anesthesia. Our surgeons use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce post-operative discomfort and speed up recovery time. We'll provide detailed instructions for at-home care and schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Get Back on Your Feet With Neuroma Care
Living with neuroma pain can be challenging, but with the right treatment plan, you can find relief and get back to enjoying your favorite activities.
At Marvel Foot & Ankle Centers, our experienced podiatrists are committed to delivering personalized, cutting-edge care to help you overcome foot and ankle issues. From comprehensive diagnostics to advanced non-surgical and surgical treatments, we provide an extensive range of services tailored to address your unique needs. Trust our team to guide you through every step of your journey to pain-free living.