Serving Utah Valley
Understanding and Treating Neuromas
A neuroma, often called Morton’s neuroma, is a common foot problem involving the thickening of nerve tissue, most typically occurring in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. It most frequently affects the nerve running between the third and fourth toes.
At Hoyal Podiatry in Orem, we specialize in accurately diagnosing this condition and providing personalized treatment plans to relieve your nerve pain and discomfort.
Common Neuroma Symptoms
A neuroma can cause painful and uncomfortable sensations that often worsen when wearing tight shoes or during activity. Symptoms commonly include:
Pain in the ball of the foot or toes: Often described as a sharp, burning, or dull ache.
Tingling or numbness: A pins-and-needles sensation in the toes.
A feeling of having a pebble or sock balled up under the ball of the foot.
A burning sensation that may radiate into the toes.
Symptoms that worsen when wearing tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes.
How We Treat Neuromas at Hoyal Podiatry
Treatment for a neuroma depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms. Our approach begins with conservative (non-surgical) methods aimed at reducing inflammation and pressure on the affected nerve.
Non-Surgical Neuroma Treatments
For many patients, effective relief can be found without surgery:
- Footwear Changes: Switching to comfortable shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels is crucial for reducing nerve compression.
- Custom Orthotic Inserts: We can prescribe custom orthotics to properly support your foot structure and redistribute pressure away from the affected nerve.
- Padding: Special pads placed in the shoe can help separate the bones and reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice packs to the area can help reduce inflammation.
- Medication: We may recommend Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to help manage pain and inflammation.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injections can be highly effective in reducing nerve inflammation and providing significant pain relief.
Surgical Neuroma Treatment
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief for persistent or severe neuromas, surgery may be considered.
- Neurectomy: This procedure involves surgically removing the thickened portion of the nerve tissue.
Our podiatry team will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine the most effective treatment path, prioritizing non-invasive options first.
If you are experiencing painful burning or numbness in your feet, contact Hoyal Podiatry in Orem today to schedule an evaluation and discuss your customized neuroma treatment options.
