If you experience pain between your toes when walking or feel like there is something inside your foot, your discomfort may be caused by a neuroma. At Healthy Step Podiatry, Vito La Puma, DPM, offers a variety of conservative and minimally invasive solutions to treat neuromas. Located in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City, the podiatric team offers convenient scheduling and reliable care, so you can feel comfortable again. Book an appointment today using the online tool or by calling the office.
What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is an area of thickened nerve tissue that may develop over time. The most common type of neuroma is called Morton’s neuroma, and it is located between the third and fourth toes. Neuromas can occur in other areas of the foot and are the result of compression or irritation to the nerve.
What are the signs of a neuroma?
As your nerve thickens, it becomes irritated and compressed and this can result in:
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your foot
- Localized pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of your foot
- A feeling like there is something in your shoe or that your sock has rolled up under your foot
These symptoms tend to appear slowly over time and may be aggravated by walking or standing more than normal or wearing tight shoes. Often the pain goes away when you take off your shoes or massage your foot. As the neuroma enlarges, it causes more frequent symptoms and may lead to permanent nerve damage, if left untreated.
What causes a neuroma?
Neuromas form as the result of compression and irritation to the affected nerve. Anything that can compress the foot or irritate the nerve may trigger the formation of a neuroma, including:
- Wearing shoes with a tapered toe box
- Wearing high heels frequently
- Certain foot deformities, including hammertoes, bunions, and flat feet
- Repetitive irritation, like running or playing tennis
- Trauma
If you suspect you have a neuroma, talk to the team about your symptoms and they’ll perform a thorough exam of your foot to determine the cause of your discomfort.
What is the treatment for neuromas?
Treatment for a neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms and the potential for nerve damage in your foot. In the early stages, changing your footwear and modifying your activities can reduce your symptoms. Other treatment options may include:
- Padding
- Icing
- Orthotic devices
- Medications
- Injection therapy
For moderate to severe cases, the team also offers ultrasound-guided cryotherapy or cryosurgery to freeze the neuroma nerve cells, leading to degeneration of the thickened area and a reduction in pain. The Healthy Step team my recommend this minimally invasive option if other treatments haven’t worked or your condition is progressing quickly.
Schedule an exam for your foot pain today by calling or booking a visit online at Healthy Step Podiatry.