Skip to main content

Neuroma Specialist

Gentle Foot and Ankle Care -  - Podiatry

Gentle Foot and Ankle Care

Podiatry located in Madison Heights, Troy, Commerce Township & South Lyon

While a neuroma is a mass of soft nerve tissue, it may feel like there’s something hard stuck under the ball of your foot as you walk. At Gentle Foot and Ankle Care, in Madison Heights, Troy, Commerce Township, and South Lyon, Michigan, the experienced team of podiatrists treats neuromas using advanced protocols that get you back on your feet fast. Click on the online scheduling link or call the office today.

Neuroma Q & A

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a thickened lump of nerve tissue. Neuromas usually grow between the third and fourth toes, and they usually appear in just one foot at a time. 

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

A neuroma usually causes symptoms such as:

  • Pain between the toes or in the forefoot
  • Burning sensation
  • Swelling
  • Numbness in the toes or ball of the foot
  • Tingling in the ball of the foot

If you have a neuroma, it can feel like you're standing on a rock, bunched-up sock, or another hard object. Many people experience the most discomfort when walking, but simply standing can be quite uncomfortable as well. 

What causes a neuroma?

Pressure leading to nerve irritation causes neuromas. The underlying reason for that nerve pressure isn't certain, but certain common factors usually play a role. 

Wearing poorly-fitting shoes that squeeze your toes, like very high heels, is perhaps the most common culprit in neuroma development. 

If you have repetitive stress to the forefoot, for example, sports like running or occupations that require you to stand for long periods, you may be more likely to develop a neuroma. 

Biomechanical foot deformities, such as flat feet and very high arches, can lead to instability in your toe joints, which can in turn hasten neuroma development. 

While some cases aren't preventable, you can always take steps to minimize the risk of neuromas in the future. 

How are neuromas treated?

Neuroma treatment can take several different paths at Gentle Foot and Ankle Care. The team may recommend options such as:

  • Changing your shoes - no narrow shoes or heels over 2 inches high
  • Padding
  • Taping
  • Custom orthotics
  • Cortisone injections

For severe neuromas that continue to cause symptoms despite conservative treatment, the Gentle Foot and Ankle Care team may recommend a treatment called neurolysis. In neurolysis, you'll receive injections of ethanol and anesthetic once a week for seven weeks in a row. 

Your nerve tissue absorbs the ethanol, and eventually, the ethanol destroys the abnormal bundle of nerve tissue. 

Surgery to remove the neuroma is another option, particularly for stubborn neuromas that don't respond to other treatments. Gentle Foot and Ankle Care offers personalized choices for neuroma treatment, so there's no reason to walk in pain. Book an appointment online or call the office to book your visit.