Regenerative Medicine of Naples

A neuroma is a benign growth or tumor of nerve tissues. The benign tumor can form from different types of nerve tissues and can grow anywhere in the body, but is frequently found between the third and fourth toes, which is called Morton’s neuroma.

When the neuroma tumor grows, it can get compressed between the toes, hence the term “pinched nerve”, which causes irritation, pain, tingling or burning sensation and numbness. Patients will commonly describe the sensation similar to having a pebble or stone in the shoe.

Causes of Neuromas

Although the primary cause of neuromas is still unknown, the factors below can contribute to its formation.

1.       Foot deformities. People with flat feet, hammertoes or bunions have higher risk of developing neuromas.

2.       Improper footwear. Wearing tight footwear especially high heeled shoes can cause compression and “pinch” the nerves causing irritation leading the formation of the neuroma.

3.       Activities that can cause repetitive stress and irritation to the foot like running can lead to neuromas.

4.       Trauma. Past injuries to the nerve can develop into a neuroma.

Preventive Measures:

There are several ways to prevent the irritating pain caused by neuromas.

1.       Wear comfortable shoes. Preferably, select shoes that have wide toe boxes. This will prevent any compression problems in the foot. 

2.       Shift to another activity. It is best to shift to another activity that does not involve a lot of foot work.

3.       Do not over work your feet. Rest from time to time, don’t let that lingering sensation turn into an irritating, full blown foot pain.

Home Treatments for Neuroma Pain

If you are already suffering from neuroma pain, there are a handful of home remedies to ease the pain.

1.       Rest – giving your feet a break can drastically alleviate irritation and pain.

2.       Ice – Cold stimuli has a numbing effect, which is great to alleviate neuroma pain.

3.       Elevation – placing your foot above your heart can actually reduce the swelling and pain caused by an exacerbate neuroma.

4.       Medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) can provide relief from acute foot pain.

Visit Your Podiatrist

If you feel any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above, particularly the “pebble in the shoe” most likely you have a Morton’s neuroma. Early detection and treatment is very important since neuromas tend to get worse.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The primary goal of the podiatrist is to relieve the pressure on the area where the neuroma is located. An x-ray of the affected foot is taken and a treatment plan is made that is best suited for each individual.

1.       Medications: Steroid injections and Anti-inflammatory drugs can be given for acute pain caused by neuroma.

2.       Paddings: Paddings tailored for your foot are placed to correct the abnormal foot function and relieve the symptoms caused by the neuroma.

3.       Orthotics: Custom-made foot inserts made by your podiatrist can help correct the position of the foot which can prevent symptoms and worsening of the tumor.

4.    RFA is a procedure that uses a very fine probe which is then inserted at the affected area with the help of guidance imaging (ultrasound). Then heat is applied to damage the nerve, making it incapable to send pain signals back to the brain. The affected area is anesthetized making the whole procedure pain-free. Patient can walk home after the procedure.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is only suggested when all alternative treatments do not or no longer provide pain relief. This involves surgically removing the affected nerve. Unfortunately, there is a risk of permanent numbness of the affected toes or a chance for the neuroma to recur.