Neuroma Specialist

What’s a neuroma?

Morton's (or intermetatarsal) neuromas are bundles of nerve tissue growth in your feet. These benign growths typically develop on the ball of your foot, between the third and fourth toes. 

Neuromas usually feel like you're standing or walking on a small rock, or as if your sock’s wadded under the ball of your foot. You may also experience burning, stinging, or numbness in the ball of your foot if you have a neuroma. 

What causes neuromas to develop?

Neuromas develop with nerve pressure or irritation. This can happen in a few ways, including:

Footwear

High-heeled shoes force you to walk mainly on the balls of your feet. This redistributes pressure and aggravates the nerve involved in neuromas.

Foot trauma

Some activities, like dancing and running, involve repetitive trauma to the balls of your feet, which leads to nerve irritation and neuroma growth. Some jobs may also cause foot trauma leading to neuromas.

Biomechanical foot deformities

Foot problems, including bunions, hammertoes, and flatfoot, can alter weight distribution and therefore contribute to nerve irritation and neuroma development. 

Dr. Wachtler reviews your medical history and lifestyle habits carefully to find the cause of your neuroma. This helps him design the ideal treatment.

Will a foot neuroma go away?

Your symptoms may wax and wane, depending on how much you’re on your feet and the shoes you wear. Sometimes, your symptoms may stop for a while, but the nerve tissue is still thickened, so your symptoms usually return. 

Neuromas won’t vanish on their own. For that, you need expert medical care. 

How are neuromas treated?

Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists offers multiple neuroma treatments. Dr. Wachtler uses conservative protocols to stop your symptoms and prevent a recurrence. Usually, treatment includes:

• Changing your shoes
• Custom orthotics
• Padding
• Taping
• Cortisone injections
• Oral anti-inflammatory medications
• Ice packs

If these conservative, nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve your Morton’s neuroma symptoms, Dr. Wachtler may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to relieve nerve pressure, or he may remove the affected nerve altogether. 

Suspect a neuroma and need to get out of pain? Cedar Grove Foot & Ankle Specialists offers comprehensive treatment options for an easy recovery. Call the office or use online scheduling to arrange your appointment.