Neuromas

If you constantly feel like you’re walking on a small pebble, you may have a neuroma in your foot. Stephanie Parks, DPM, Justin Ward, DPM, and the podiatry team at Bosque Foot and Ankle in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can provide a thorough examination and personalized treatment plan to address the discomfort associated with neuromas. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.

What are neuromas?

Neuromas are thick collections of tissue that form around nerves. A neuroma that develops between the third and fourth toes is called Morton’s neuroma. As the tissue thickens, the nerve grows larger, causing pain and discomfort. It can lead to permanent nerve damage without treatment.

At Bosque Foot and Ankle, the team uses advanced techniques and personalized care plans to properly diagnose and treat neuromas.

What do neuromas feel like?

Neuromas often feel like you have a pebble in your shoes. They can be highly uncomfortable to walk on. As neuromas progress, they can also cause burning and tingling in the toes and balls of the feet. The pain often intensifies during weight-bearing activities, like running or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts that involve jumping and constant movement.

As neuromas advance, some activities like standing can cause chronic foot pain. That’s why early intervention is essential to preserve your foot health and relieve discomfort.

Why do neuromas develop?

Neuromas develop when the nerve becomes irritated or compressed. Risk factors for neuromas include:

Foot structure

Anatomical abnormalities, such as high arches, flat feet, or bunions, can increase pressure on the nerves, leading to neuromas.

Improper footwear

Wearing shoes with a narrow toe box or high heels can compress the toes and contribute to a neuroma’s development. Tight or ill-fitting shoes can exacerbate nerve irritation.

Repetitive stress

Engaging in activities that involve repetitive stress on the forefoot, such as running or participating in high-impact sports, can lead to neuromas.

Injury or trauma

Previous foot injuries, such as sprains or fractures, can irritate the nerves and increase the likelihood of developing neuromas.

Biomechanical issues

Abnormalities in foot function, such as overpronation (excessive rolling inward of the foot) or oversupination (excessive rolling outward), can contribute to neuroma development.

Occupational factors

Certain occupations that involve prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces may increase the risk of developing neuromas.

Genetic predisposition

Some people have a genetic predisposition to neuromas, making them more susceptible to this condition.

What are the treatments for neuromas?

The Bosque Foot and Ankle team can recommend an appropriate neuroma treatment plan after evaluating your condition’s severity. Effective neuroma treatments include:

• Footwear modifications (wearing roomier shoes)
• Custom-made orthotics (to relieve pressure)
• Padding and taping
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Icing
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Temporarily avoiding weight-bearing activities can also reduce inflammation around the affected nerve to relieve pain.

Call Bosque Foot and Ankle or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about neuromas.