Neuromas

About one-third of Americans have Morton’s neuromas — a painful bundle of nerve tissue between the toes. Specialized Foot and Ankle Care providers Ankur Bahri, DPM, Sandeep Sandhu, DPM, and their talented team know how uncomfortable and disruptive Morton’s neuromas are. They offer a range of treatments to permanently eliminate your neuroma. Call the office in Carteret, Perth Amboy, or Edison, New Jersey, today, or book your appointment with the online scheduler.

What are neuromas?

A Morton’s neuroma is a noncancerous growth made of nerve tissue. It happens when a nerve in your foot — usually between your third and fourth toes — becomes irritated and inflamed, causing it to swell.

Anyone can develop a neuroma, but they’re most common in women. Factors like repetitive foot stress, high arches, flat feet, and wearing high heels frequently lead to neuromas.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

A neuroma causes discomfort in the ball of your foot, including: 

• Pain when you stand or walk
• Pins-and-needles sensation
• Numbness
• Burning
• Feeling you have a pebble in your shoe

Neuroma symptoms usually ease when you stay off the affected foot and rest it. But as soon as you stand or walk, pressure is again put on the neuroma, and your symptoms return.

Can you see a neuroma on the bottom of your foot?

No. Neuromas are between two toes. So, while it might feel like a bump on the bottom of your foot should be visible, they’re usually invisible to the naked eye.

The Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team examines your foot and conducts tests to determine if your symptoms are caused by a neuroma. Along with a foot exam, you’ll need an X-ray, ultrasound, or nerve and muscle tests to confirm a neuroma and rule out other problems.

How are neuromas treated?

The most effective neuroma treatment depends on your individual needs. The Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team considers your symptoms, activity level, age, budget, and other things to determine the right personalized approach.

Among the treatments that could help are:

• Changing your shoes: choosing deep toe boxes
• Orthotics: custom shoe inserts created using a 3D computer foot modeling system
• Medication: over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs to fight swelling and pain
• Ice massage: applying ice packs to the ball of the foot
• Injections: cortisone injections to quickly ease inflammation

If you have severe neuroma symptoms that don’t improve after nonsurgical treatment, the team might recommend an advanced minimally invasive procedure to remove the neuroma using small incisions.

At Specialized Foot & Ankle Care, Dr. Sandhu or Dr. Bahari treat patients for bunions, diabetic foot care, athlete foot, sports injuries, heel pain, and more. We are a foot and ankle specialist practice located in New Jersey. Call us to book your appointment today.