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Foot neuromas can be painful and are often misdiagnosed. The board-certified podiatrists at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists, with offices in Elgin, Schaumburg, Huntley, and the Montclare neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, have extensive experience with foot neuromas, helping many patients find lasting relief. Booking a visit is as simple as a phone call or a few moments on the online scheduling page.
A neuroma describes an abnormal growth of nerve tissue. Neuromas are often referred to as “pinched nerves” and are most commonly found at the base of the third and fourth toes. A type of neuroma called Morton’s neuroma develops when the tissue around a nerve thickens.
Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause of neuromas. One cause might be biomechanical deformities like flat feet or overly high arches, both of which cause instability near your toe joints.
A traumatic injury might also cause a neuroma, due to the swelling that develops after an injury. Repeated stress to the feet might also be a contributing factor.
There’s also evidence to suggest that wearing tight or high-heeled shoes might place undue pressure on the toes and forefoot (the portion of the foot nearest your toes), eventually causing nerve problems like neuromas.
Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to seek treatment for neuromas. Indications you may have a neuroma include:
It’s important to come in for a diagnostic exam if you notice these symptoms for more than a couple of days. Left untreated, neuromas can worsen and become incredibly painful.
Your podiatrist begins by performing a thorough diagnostic exam. X-ray imaging can help determine if you have a neuroma, and your provider also asks you to describe your symptoms and the circumstances under which you notice them.
If your doctor feels your footwear may be contributing to the problem, they may advise you to wear shoes that offer more room in the toe box or flat shoes that don’t cause your weight to settle on your toes.
Orthotics, which are custom-made shoe inserts, also can help improve the distribution of weight across the bottom of your feet.
Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for foot neuromas. These injections reduce swelling and provide pain relief for several months.
A procedure called neurolysis can help. Your doctor delivers ethanol and pain medication injections to destroy the nerves that are causing your discomfort. There’s no surgery involved, and treatments are around 60% effective in reducing or eliminating neuroma pain.
To explore these and other treatment options, call the office today to schedule a visit. Online booking is also an option and is fast and easy.