Researchers estimate that about one in three people has a neuroma. Though common, without treatment, a neuroma can interfere with your mobility and quality of life. At Greenwood Foot Clinic, board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon Mark Lazar, DPM, and podiatrist and foot surgeon Stephen Tentler, DPM, and the team, provide minimally invasive treatments for neuromas, including corticosteroid injections and custom orthotics. To make an appointment, call the office in Greenwood or Martinsville, Indiana, or book online today.
A neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) nerve tumor that forms in the ball of your foot. If you have a neuroma, you might experience pain, sensitivity, or swelling at the base of your toes. As the condition gets worse, you might have trouble standing up or putting weight on your affected foot.
If you think you might have a neuroma, contact Greenwood Foot Clinic immediately. Diagnosis and treatment can prevent the tumor from growing and interfering with your quality of life.
Symptoms of a neuroma include:
As the nerve tumor grows, it might also feel like there’s a rock or another small object in your shoe or sock.
Several factors may increase your risk of a neuroma, including:
You’re also more likely to experience a neuroma if you wear shoes like high heels that squeeze your toes together.
The team at Greenwood Foot Clinic diagnoses a neuroma during an in-office visit.
Your provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when the pain started, what it feels like, and if it’s worse during certain activities like exercise. Next, your provider examines your toes and the ball of your foot. They look for redness, swelling, or bruising, and gently press on your foot to identify the source of your discomfort.
If an exam doesn’t provide enough information, your provider might also order diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI, to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues at the front of your foot.
Treatment of a neuroma depends on several factors, including the size of the tumor and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Greenwood Foot Clinic might recommend:
If your pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, surgery might be necessary.
To learn more about the treatment options for a neuroma, make an appointment at Greenwood Foot Clinic by calling the office or booking online today.