Neuroma Treatment in Sacramento, CA
A neuroma occurs when nerve tissue thickens, causing pain, burning, or numbness. In the foot, the most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which develops in the ball of the foot. Dennis Grandy, DPM diagnoses and treats neuromas to relieve nerve pain and help you walk comfortably again. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule your evaluation.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is the most typical neuroma that occurs in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. Also known as an intermetatarsal neuroma, its name describes its location between the long metatarsal bones in the ball of the foot. Compression and irritation cause the nerve tissue to thicken, and this pressure creates inflammation of the nerve. Without treatment, ongoing irritation can lead to lasting nerve damage.
Symptoms of a Neuroma
- Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot
- A feeling like you are standing on a pebble or a folded sock
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Pain that worsens in tight shoes and improves when shoes are removed
What Causes Neuromas?
Neuromas are often linked to shoes that squeeze the toes together, such as high heels or narrow, pointed shoes. High-impact activities like running and court sports can also put repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot. Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet increase the risk.
Neuroma Treatment
Early treatment usually focuses on relieving pressure on the nerve. Dr. Grandy may recommend wider shoes with a low heel, metatarsal padding, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification. Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation. When conservative care does not provide relief, other treatment options will be discussed. Athletes with forefoot pain can also benefit from our sports medicine care.
Neuroma FAQs
What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that causes pain, burning, tingling, or numbness.
Where does Morton’s neuroma occur?
Morton’s neuroma most often develops between the third and fourth toes in the ball of the foot.
What does a neuroma feel like?
Many people describe a burning pain or the feeling of standing on a pebble, along with tingling or numbness in the toes.
What causes Morton’s neuroma?
Tight or high-heeled shoes, high-impact activities, and foot deformities can compress and irritate the nerve.
Can a neuroma go away without surgery?
Many neuromas improve with conservative care such as wider shoes, padding, orthotics, and injections, especially when treated early.
Can orthotics help a neuroma?
Yes. Custom orthotics can reduce pressure on the nerve and improve foot mechanics.
When should I see a podiatrist for ball-of-foot pain?
See a podiatrist if burning, tingling, or pain in the ball of the foot lasts more than a few days or limits your activities.
Relieve Nerve Pain in Your Feet
Do not ignore burning or tingling in the ball of your foot. Call (916) 920-0371 to schedule an appointment with Dennis Grandy, DPM.