Neuroma

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma describes swelling in a nerve after direct trauma or compression on the nerve. This painful swelling can lead to permanent nerve damage.

One of the most common areas to develop a neuroma is in the ball of your foot. This condition commonly occurs because of abnormal movements in your metatarsals, the long bones of your foot behind your toes. Between the metatarsals, there is a small nerve that passes through, which can become pinched and swollen, causing a neuroma to form.

You can also develop Morton's neuroma, which is a condition where the nerve between your second and third toes becomes pinched.

What are the symptoms of a neuroma?

Signs that indicate you may have a neuroma include a burning pain or a tingling sensation in one or two of your toes. Many individuals also experience numbness in their toes.

For many, the pain can become so severe that it limits their mobility and interferes with their quality of life. You may also feel a popping sensation when you walk.

Pain that's related to a neuroma is often alleviated by rubbing the ball of your foot. However, additional movements can trigger additional pain.

How is a neuroma diagnosed?

To determine if a neuroma is causing your foot pain, Dr. Brunetti reviews your medical history and physically examines your foot. Additionally, he may order diagnostic imaging tests, like X-rays or an MRI, to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms, such as stress fractures in the bones of toes or feet.

Once he confirms that it is a neuroma, Dr. Brunetti customizes a treatment plan that focuses on relieving your pain and enhancing your mobility.

How is a neuroma treated?

There are several treatment options for a painful neuroma. Initially, Dr. Brunetti conducts a physical exam of your foot and a review of your medical history. 

After examining the affected area, as part of your customized treatment plan, he may recommend conservative treatments like:

• Taping
• One-on-one, hands-on physical therapy
• Balancing exercises
• Massage and manual therapy
• Therapeutic exercises
• Neuromuscular reeducation
• Ultrasound 
• Custom orthotics or shoe inserts 

If you have significant pain that isn't relieved with conventional treatments, Dr. Brunetti may recommend cold laser therapy. This treatment uses cold laser energy to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area and facilitate a greater range of pain-free motion.

If you're limited by chronic pain in the ball of your foot, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Brunetti today by calling the office or requesting an appointment online.