Neuroma Specialist

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma refers to an area of the nerve tissue that thickens. In feet, the most common type of neuroma is Morton’s neuroma, which is located between your third and fourth toes. 

In most cases, Morton’s neuromas lead to a tingling sensation in the affected area, numbness, and a burning feeling as well. Combined, these three symptoms can cause severe pain, making it impossible to walk — or at least painful to do so.

With a neuroma, the above symptoms can spread to the ball of your foot, giving the impression that something is stuck in your shoe.

What causes neuromas?

Neuromas occur because of nerve compression, so any number of conditions or behaviors can lead to it. For instance, some of the most common causes of neuromas include but are not limited to:

• Wearing high-heeled or pointy shoes regularly 
• Flatfoot
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Running or any other sport that puts pressure on the balls of your feet

A neuroma can also develop suddenly, following a serious foot injury. 

What treatments are available for neuromas?

Treatments for neuromas vary according to their severity. Your podiatrist at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist may recommend anything from orthotics to injected medication to alleviate your symptoms and encourage the neuroma’s disappearance. 

If the neuroma’s symptoms are not dissipating, your provider might recommend a minimally invasive surgery to get rid of the neuroma for good and help you get long-term relief.

During this minimally invasive procedure, your podiatrist removes the entirety of the neuroma or parts of the areas that irritate your nerve. Since these procedures are simple and painless, the recovery time is quick, so you can return to your daily activities without too much effort. 

What can I do to prevent neuromas?

During your consultation at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, your provider can recommend a series of lifestyle changes and maintenance options to prevent the development or the worsening of neuromas. 

The most effective way to prevent a neuroma is to change your footwear. Always prioritize comfortable shoes over high-heeled, pointy ones. The more room your feet have to spread out, the healthier they stay. 

Your provider might also recommend that you don’t overexert your feet, so regularly rest your feet, especially after doing sports, long walks, or if you are forced to wear compressing shoes. 

It’s not always easy to prevent a neuroma, but with proper and ongoing podiatric care, you can take control of your foot health and prevent pain. Learn more by booking an appointment online or calling Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist today. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Morton’s Neuroma

What does a neuroma feel like? Most patients in Homer Glen describe a neuroma as feeling like there is a pebble in their shoe or a fold in their sock that they can’t fix. You may also experience sharp, shooting pains, numbness, or burning in the ball of the foot that radiates into the toes.

What causes a neuroma to form? A neuroma is a thickening of the nerve tissue, usually between the third and fourth toes. This is often caused by compression or irritation, frequently due to high-heeled shoes, tight athletic footwear, or repetitive stress from sports like running or tennis in Orland Park.

How is Morton’s Neuroma treated without surgery? We successfully treat the majority of neuromas using non-invasive methods, including:

• Custom Orthotics: Designed via 4D Digital Scanning to offload pressure from the affected nerve.

• MLS Laser Therapy: To reduce nerve inflammation and pain.

• Injections: To provide immediate relief from swelling.

• Padding and Strapping: To realign the metatarsal bones.

When should I consider surgery for a neuroma? If conservative treatments don't provide relief, Dr. Vittori or Dr. Thakrar may recommend minimally invasive neuroma decompression. This procedure involves a tiny incision to relieve pressure on the nerve, allowing our patients in New Lenox to return to their favorite activities without chronic ball-of-foot pain.