Neuromas affect everyone, but women are 4-15 times more likely to develop this painful nerve condition, primarily because they wear high heels. When your neuroma is diagnosed at an early stage, the podiatrists at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers can effectively treat the problem with conservative therapies. If you wait too long, however, you may need surgery. To get relief from foot pain due to a neuroma, schedule an appointment online or call one of the offices in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.
A neuroma is a noncancerous or benign growth of nerve tissue. Neuromas most often affect nerves in the ball of your foot between your third and fourth toes. This condition, called Morton’s neuroma, develops when nerves become pinched and irritated. As a result of ongoing compression, the nerve continues to enlarge. Without treatment, Morton’s neuroma may cause permanent nerve damage.
Any activity, foot problem, or shoes that place pressure on the nerve can lead to a neuroma. Some of the most common causes include:
High-impact sports such as running, tennis, or football, often cause a neuroma due to the pressure these activities place on the balls of your feet.
When you develop Morton’s neuroma, you experience symptoms such as:
At first, the symptoms appear gradually and stop when you remove your shoes or get off your feet. Eventually, the symptoms progressively worsen as the neuroma continues to grow.
After evaluating your foot, your doctor at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers recommends treatment based on the severity and stage of the neuroma. Your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:
Conservative treatment might include changing your footwear or wearing prescription orthotics to reduce pressure on the nerve. You may need to temporarily eliminate the activities causing the stress on your foot so that your nerve has time to heal. Some patients may need medication or corticosteroid injections to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
When your neuroma doesn’t heal with conservative measures, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the neuroma.
When you develop pain or feel a lump in the ball of your foot, schedule an appointment online or call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers.
