Neuromas and Neuropathy

What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a benign nerve condition cause by inflammation or thickening of a nerve. When it is located between the 3rd and 4th toe it is referred to as a Morton’s Neuroma. Symptoms of neuromas in the foot often include.

1. burning, tingling, or numbness in the foot or toes
2. pain
3. a feeling of a foreign body present, when nothing is there

This condition usually arises as a result of tight or ill fitting shoes or in people with certain foot deformities such as flatfeet.

Diagnosis:
Neuromas are usually diagnosed by a thorough history and physical. Your podiatrist may take an X-ray of your foot. Sonogram imaging and/or MRI may help in the diagnosis as well.

Treatment:
Most neuromas respond to conservative treatment including orthotics, oral medications, injections, and physical therapy. Sometime neuromas need to be surgically removed, this is a relatively minor procedure and recovery is short compared to other foot surgery.

Neuropathy:
Neuropathy is defined as a disease of the nerves. This can present in many ways including numbness, pain, tingling, and/or paralysis of extremities. There are many conditions that cause neuropathy including, (but not limited to), diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, medications, HIV, trauma, cancer and alcoholism.

Treatment:
Treatment for neuropathy includes, (but not limited to), topical medications, oral medications, injections, nerve blocks, physical therapy, and surgical procedures.