Feet are an incredibly important part of the body. They enable us to walk and move, and when they hurt, it’s hard to get around. There are a variety of different ailments that can impact feet, and one of them is a neuroma.

While this condition can happen to either men or women, it is more commonly found in women. A neuroma is a benign growth on nerve tissues, usually between the third and fourth toes, that causes pain, tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation in the ball of the foot or between the toes. Sometimes, it is referred to as a pinched nerve.

Causes

The exact cause of a neuroma is unknown, but there are several factors that may contribute to its development. These include flat feet or high-arched feet, which contribute to instability around the toe joints. Shoes that squeeze toes together or put pressure on the front part of the foot, such as heels taller than 2 inches, can lead to the development of a neuroma. An accident or trauma to this part of the foot that causes nerve damage can also result in a neuroma. Repeated stress may also lead to the formation of a neuroma.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Determining whether or not a neuroma has developed is best left to a podiatrist. However, it’s possible to find some relief in a variety of other ways until you have a confirmed diagnosis. These include the following:

• Make sure shoes have room for toes to move so that they aren’t  squeezed together
• Avoid shoes with heels that are over 2 inches tall since this puts pressure on the front part of the foot
• Use a toe insert for added cushioning or make sure the soles of shoes are thick and cushioned to reduce pressure on the foot
• Rest and massage the foot, and use an ice pack, to help alleviate some of the pain from a neuroma

If these measures don’t relieve the symptoms associated with a neuroma, there are some other methods that can be tried. These include the following:

• Use tape or padding to relieve pressure on the front part of the foot
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort
• Wear custom orthotics to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this ailment

If none of these treatments work and a neuroma continues to make life miserable, it may require surgical intervention. Talk to a podiatrist as Sheldon Nadal, D.P.M, to determine the best course of treatment.