HEALTH ISSUES

Neuroma

Gout

Plantar Fasciitis

Proper Fitting Shoes

Hammertoes

Neuroma

Neuroma
(Perineural Fibroma)

What is it?

A neuroma is a painful lesion involving any nerve. In the foot the most common area is in between the third and fourth toes. The space in between the second and third toes is another commonly affected area. Neuromas are caused by trauma or damage to the nerve resulting in scaring and fibrosis. The damage may take years to accumulate and may be from fairly normal wear and tear. These are benign tumors with very little chance of malignancy.

What causes neuromas?

No one has isolated one single cause. It is most likely a combination of factors including: tight shoes, loose ligaments, shear within the nerve, and pressure from neighboring bone. Ill-fitting shoes or abnormal bone movement often instigate the pathological process.

Signs and Symptoms

Burning

Tingling

Popping in the foot

Cramping

Electrical sensations

Numbness

Shooting pains

Sensation of walking on a pebble

Treatment

Early treatment modalities include shoe gear changes, ice application, padding and strapping, arch supportive therapy, and cortisone injections. As time goes by the nerve can become deeply scarred and fibrosed to the surrounding structures. The damage eventually becomes irreversible. When early treatment is initiated there is a good chance of success. When the neuroma has been symptomatic for more than six months the effectiveness of conservative care drops and surgically removing the neuroma becomes a better option. The surgery is done under local anesthesia in an outpatient facility. The surgery removes the scar tissue and the damaged nerve leaving a numb area between the involved toes.