If you’ve been experiencing pain or discomfort in the ball of your foot, particularly between your third and fourth toes, you may be dealing with a neuroma. A neuroma is a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve, often caused by irritation or compression. The most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which can cause persistent pain, tingling, or a burning sensation.
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for relieving symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Without intervention, a neuroma can worsen, leading to long-term pain and difficulty walking.
Our team at Eastern Idaho Foot Clinic has years of experience diagnosing and treating neuromas, and we do everything we can to ensure you are able to return to your everyday activities as soon as possible. If you suspect you may have a neuroma, it’s important to seek professional care as soon as possible.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Neuroma
A neuroma can be hard to detect because it doesn’t usually cause visible swelling. However, it can still create significant discomfort in your foot. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the ball of the foot: Neuromas are typically located between the third and fourth toes, though other areas of the foot can also be affected.
- Tingling, burning, or numbness: These sensations may start at the ball of the foot and extend into the toes.
- The feeling of a "pebble" in your shoe: Many patients describe the sensation of a neuroma as stepping on something that isn’t there.
- Pain that worsens with activity: Walking, exercising, or wearing tight shoes can exacerbate your symptoms.
These signs often start as mild and gradually worsen over time. If you’re experiencing persistent foot discomfort, it’s important to seek help from a podiatrist before the condition progresses.
What Causes Neuromas?
Feet contain over 200,000 nerve endings, making them highly sensitive. A neuroma develops when one of these nerves in the foot becomes irritated or compressed. Several factors can contribute to this condition, including:
- Foot structure: Individuals with flat feet, high arches, or other structural issues are more prone to developing neuromas.
- Repetitive impact: High-impact activities like running, basketball, or tennis can place stress on the front of the foot, leading to nerve irritation.
- Footwear choices: Tight, narrow shoes and high heels squeeze the toes together, increasing pressure on the nerves.
- Injury or trauma: A past injury can lead to nerve thickening or damage, increasing the risk of neuroma development.
One or more of these factors may have caused your neuroma. Understanding the root cause of your foot pain is the first step toward finding an effective treatment plan.
Are You at Risk for a Neuroma?
While neuromas can affect anyone, certain groups of people are more likely to develop one. These include:
- Women: Women are more likely to develop neuromas due to wearing high heels or narrow-toed shoes that compress the toes.
- Individuals who work on their feet: Jobs that require long hours of standing or walking, such as retail, healthcare, or construction, put extra strain on the feet.
- Those with pre-existing foot conditions: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or other foot deformities can contribute to nerve compression.
If you fall into one of these risk categories and are experiencing foot pain, scheduling an evaluation with a podiatrist can help prevent further issues. There are several small changes you can make to significantly increase your comfort.
How Neuromas Are Diagnosed and Treated
At Eastern Idaho Foot Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating neuromas. Our evaluation begins with a thorough physical exam, assessing your symptoms and medical history. Diagnostic imaging—such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs—may be used to rule out other conditions. Once the exact issue is determined, we work with you to create an individualized care plan.
Non-surgical neuroma treatment options
Some people are hesitant to seek treatment for neuromas because they fear the possibility of surgery. However, most neuromas can be managed with conservative treatments, including:
- Footwear modifications: Wearing wider shoes with a roomier toe box and avoiding high heels
- Orthotics and padding: Using custom or over-the-counter inserts to help relieve pressure on the affected nerve
- Activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms
- Physical therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen foot muscles and improve foot mechanics
- Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation and pain
- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter or prescription options for symptom management
When surgery is necessary
If conservative treatments fail to make a difference, we may recommend surgical intervention. Our podiatrists specialize in minimally invasive outpatient procedures to remove or decompress the affected nerve, helping you achieve long-term pain relief and resume your regular routine.
How to Prevent Neuromas
While not all neuromas can be avoided, taking proactive steps like these can help ensure that your feet remain healthy and pain-free:
- Choose proper footwear: Opt for supportive, well-fitted shoes with a wide toe box to reduce nerve compression. Avoid high heels when possible, and use inserts for a more comfortable fit.
- Stretch and strengthen your feet: This area of the body is often overlooked when stretching. Regular foot exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent muscle imbalances. There are plenty of tutorials online to help get you started.
- Avoid repetitive strain: Be mindful of high-impact activities and take breaks when needed. Getting off your feet, even for just a few minutes at regular intervals throughout your day, can make a huge difference.
- Address minor foot issues early: Seeking treatment for bunions, hammertoes, or arch problems can help prevent neuroma development. These issues may seem insignificant, but taking care of your feet today can prevent serious problems in the future. Don’t wait!
Find Neuroma Relief at Eastern Idaho Foot Clinic
If you’re dealing with foot pain that won’t go away, it’s best not to ignore it. At Eastern Idaho Foot Clinic, we can help you find relief. Our team will work with you to reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance your overall quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!