Neuromas

About one in three Americans will develop foot pain from Morton's neuroma. If you can no longer treat your pain on your own, find help at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery. The skilled podiatrists specialize in non-surgical therapies, including steroid injections and orthotics, to ease pain and improve your mobility. They also offer minimally invasive, endoscopic surgery to release pressure on nerve tissue when other neuroma treatments aren’t working. Call the office in Santa Clarita, Northridge, or Burbank, California, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for neuromas or book an appointment online today!

What are neuromas?

Neuromas occur when nerve tissue thickens or enlarges due to persistent compression or irritation. That can happen anywhere in your body, including your feet. The most common type of neuroma in the foot is Morton's neuroma.

Morton's neuroma generally occurs between the third and fourth toes but can also develop in other parts of your foot.

Wearing shoes that are too tight or narrow is a common cause of neuromas. You might also be at risk for a Morton’s neuroma if you have foot conditions like bunions, flat feet, or hammertoes.

Also, if you run or play certain sports, the repetitive movements can irritate the ball of your foot and lead to a neuroma.

When should I seek treatment for neuromas?

You should schedule a consultation at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery if you have neuroma symptoms like:

• Foot pain
• Tingling
• Burning
• Numbness

Many people with a neuroma also experience a sensation like their sock is bunched up or they have a pebble in their shoe that presses on the ball of their foot.

Symptoms of a neuroma, typically, are mild at first. Over time, you may notice your symptoms worsen, especially during activities. As your pain becomes more intense and your condition remains untreated, nerve enlargement can become permanent. For this reason, you should schedule a consultation as soon as you experience neuroma symptoms.

The Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery providers confirm a neuroma during a physical exam of your foot. They may also request X-rays or other diagnostic tests to assess the health of your nerves. Based on your exam and test results, your provider creates a treatment plan to reduce neuroma symptoms.

How are neuromas treated?

There are non-surgical treatments available at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery for painful neuromas in your foot. Your foot and ankle specialist may recommend:

• Orthotics
• Pain relievers
• Anti-inflammatories
• Steroid injections
• Changes in footwear

If non-surgical strategies aren’t working well, you might be a candidate for surgery. Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery offers endoscopic decompression surgery to treat Morton’s neuroma. The minimally invasive procedure uses Edintrak II™ endoscopic technology to release pressure on the nerve through small incisions in your foot.

Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery providers also recommend activity modifications and other strategies to prevent a new neuroma from forming.

Call the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery office nearest you to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for foot neuromas or book an appointment online today.