At North Jersey Podiatry, we often find that patients are not familiar with neuromas until they are diagnosed with one. Below are some facts about this disorder to help patients gain a better understanding of what causes them and how to prevent them.

FACT:Neuromas are also known as nerve tumors because nerve tissue forms a benign growth on the bottom of the foot between the third and fourth toe.

FACT:A neuroma is usually painful and people who have them say it’s like walking with a rock in your shoe. Other symptoms can include tingling, a burning sensation or numbness in the ball of the foot and also swelling between the toes.

FACT:Women get neuromas more often than men.

FACT:There are a number of factors can contribute to a neuroma forming in your foot, including:

  • Poor footwear choice—shoes that are narrow in the toe box or have heels over 2 inches high put excess pressure on the forefoot.
  • Biomechanical dysfunction—patients with flat feet or overly high arches are more likely to develop neuromas. Arch disorders tend to bring instability to the joints of the toes.
  • Repeated stress-jobs or sports activities that require long hours of standing, walking or running can aggravate the nerves in the ball of your foot.
  • Trauma—an injury to the foot can cause swelling and inflammation to the nerve and even result in nerve damage.

FACT:Neuromas that are not treated tend to get worse. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in the ball of your foot make an appointment at our Wayne, New Jersey office by calling: (973) 595-1555 so our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein, can evaluate your condition. The foot doctor will start by examining your foot and taking your medical history. X-rays may also be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis.

FACT:Treatment options are focused on relieving pain and taking the pressure off the ball of the foot. Icing, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and massaging the affected area can stop the pain. Orthotic devices for the shoes, taping and padding, and choosing different kinds of shoes may all help remove the conditions that encouraged the neuroma to form.