When you walk does it feel like the ball of your foot is on fire? Does it tingle and burn with pain? You might have a special sort of tumor, known as a neuroma.

What Is a Neuroma?

A neuroma, or a Morton’s neuroma, usually appears between the third and fourth toe. You’ll know you have a neuroma because you’ll feel a large, benign growth. This growth contains nerves that were pushed together when the tissues on the bottom of the feet were rubbed together. As the growth forms and develops, it will irritate the nerves, leaving you in tremendous pain.

What Does a Neuroma Feel Like?

Symptoms of a neuroma often include:

  • Thickness in the ball of your foot
  • Pain, especially when you are bearing weight on the affected foot
  • Burning
  • Numbness
  • Tingling

Symptoms like these will develop over time as the neuroma worsens.

The primary reason why people develop a neuroma is poorly fitted shoes. The shoes will push the foot together in an unnatural way, causing the feet and toes to rub together and form this cluster of nerves.

In some instances, an abnormal bone structure might cause a neuroma to form. If your bones are not properly aligned, your toes could rub together, causing you the growth to develop.

Treating Neuromas Before They Worsen

At your visit with Dr. Gasparini, you’ll have a physical exam. During this exam, Dr. Gasparini might put slight pressure on the area where you’re feeling the pain or symptoms. This will usually replicate the symptoms, giving him an accurate idea of what you’re experiencing.

After that, you might undergo a few more tests, such as an ultrasound or x-ray. Ultrasounds show the surrounding tissues, while x-rays rule out other types of injuries, such as arthritis or fractures.

Depending on the severity of the neuroma and the health of your foot, there are a few different types of treatments Dr. Gasparini might recommend, including:

  • A change of shoes. Staying away from shoes that trigger the pain is essential. High heels, pointy-toed shoes, or any other type of shoe that constricts your toes’ movements should be avoided.
  • Orthotics. In addition to changing your shoes, you might be advised to wear orthotics.
  • Injections. You might get a corticosteroid injection or a sclerosing alcohol injection to help ease the pain.
  • Surgery. Many times, foot surgery is necessary to alleviate symptoms. This is a simple procedure that removes the nerves from the neuroma.

Don’t Ignore Your Foot Pain

The sooner you make your appointment, the easier it will be to treat your pain. Call to make an appointment or stop by our Massapequa podiatry office today.