Neuromas are painful nerve tissue growths that often form between the metatarsals leading to your third and fourth toes. At Arcadia Foot and Ankle, with two locations in Scottsdale and one each in Mesa and Sun City, Arizona, the team of expert podiatrists diagnoses neuromas and offers personalized treatment to relieve your pain. You should never ignore foot pain — call the practice or schedule a consultation online today.
A neuroma is a benign growth of nerves in one of your feet. The growth usually develops between your third and fourth toes.
A neuroma causes various uncomfortable symptoms, including:
Neuroma symptoms are usually worse when you walk, run, or spend a long time on your feet. You might find that stopping what you’re doing, taking off your shoe, and rubbing the affected area relieves your pain.
Researchers haven’t identified a specific cause of neuromas. However, there are several contributing factors, including:
Women are more likely than men to develop neuromas, most likely because of wearing narrow and high-heeled shoes.
The podiatrists at Arcadia Foot and Ankle begin by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. In most cases, a description of your symptoms leads your podiatrist to believe you have a neuroma.
Your podiatrist confirms your diagnosis by examining your feet, looking for swelling, tenderness, numbness, and muscle weakness. They might squeeze your foot to see if compression triggers your symptoms.
In some cases, your podiatrist might order an X-ray to rule out other issues like stress fractures.
The team at Arcadia Foot and Ankle usually begins with conservative treatment methods, including orthotics, padding, and anti-inflammatory medicine. They might also provide a cortisol shot to deliver powerful anti-inflammatories directly into the affected area.
In most cases, conservative treatments effectively relieve neuroma-related pain. However, in severe cases, when noninvasive treatment isn’t sufficient, your podiatrist might recommend surgery to remove the neuroma or widen the space around your affected nerves.
When left untreated, a neuroma can worsen, causing more severe pain and reducing your mobility.
If you have chronic foot pain or other signs of a neuroma, don’t delay treatment. Call Arcadia Foot and Ankle or book an appointment online today.