Neuroma Q & A
What is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a noncancerous growth that most often develops between the third and fourth toes. The growth presses on the nerves in your foot, causing symptoms that affect the ball of your foot and in-between your toes such as:
- Pain
- Burning sensation
- Tingling
- Numbness
Pain between your toes when you’re walking is the main symptom when you have a neuroma. The pain is much like having a stone stuck in your shoe, and you might find it eases off if you stop and rub your foot.
What Causes a Neuroma?
The reason why a neuroma develops isn’t completely clear. However, there are risk factors that increase your chances of developing a neuroma.
Your footwear could play a key role in causing a neuroma. Shoes with heels higher than two inches can put too much pressure on the front of your foot. If the shoe squeezes your toes together, that can increase the risk even further. Women are far more likely to get a neuroma than men, which could be due to footwear choice.
Some people are born with an abnormal foot structure that might make neuroma formation more likely. Having flatfeet or high arches can cause instability in your toe joints that can lead to a neuroma.
Injuring the nerve can cause swelling and inflammation that could lead to a neuroma. Or performing the same movement repeatedly, perhaps at work, can cause a neuroma or make it worse. Having hammertoes or plantar fasciitis can also increase the risk of a neuroma developing.
How is a Neuroma Treated?
Rest to reduce pressure on your foot is essential. Try to avoid strenuous exercise for a few weeks, and change your shoes to a pair that have a lower heel and broader space for your toes. Ice packs can also reduce inflammation and ease pain.
Orthotics are also beneficial for neuromas. Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center specializes in making custom orthotics that fit inside your shoes. These supportive inserts are made to your exact requirements, taking the pressure off the affected area, and giving it a chance to heal.
Using custom orthotics also helps prevent the neuroma from coming back.
You can take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication to relieve pain and swelling, but don’t use the medication to mask the pain so you can carry on with normal activities. Doing so risks making the neuroma worse rather than helping it to heal.
In some cases, steroid injections at Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center can help. These are powerful anti-inflammatories that can relieve pain even when oral medication isn’t helping. In severe cases, you may need surgery to remove the neuroma.
If you have pain in your feet or need treatment for a neuroma, visit the experts at Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center. Call today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.