Neuromas

Watch the video above to learn about Neuromas, and how I approach treating this with my patients. There's also more information below. As always, when you're ready, fill out the form on this page to request a consultation.


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Neuroma is a term used to describe a thickening of nerve tissue. Neuromas can develop in any part of the body including the foot. The most common location for a neuroma in the foot is the distal 3rd intermetatarsal space. This is known as a Morton’s neuroma and it causes pain in the 3rd intermetatarsal space and to the 3rd and 4th toes. Neuromas result from compression or irritation of the nerve. Intermetatarsal neuromas result as the nerve is compressed between the metatarsal heads and the intermetatarsal ligament.

Symptoms

  1. Pain at the location of the neuroma
  2. Burning, tingling, or numbness that typically radiates to the involved toes
  3. Having the sensation that something is in the bottom of the foot or something is bunched up in the sock
  4. Thickening of the tissue or a clicking sensation when the tissue is palpated
  5. Symptoms are typically worse with shoes as there is compression of the metatarsal bones therefore aggravating the neuroma

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by a comprehensive foot and ankle exam by Dr. Stewart. Ultrasound, MRI, and electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies are sometimes utilized when making the diagnosis.

Treatment

Conservative care is the 1st line of treatment when treating a neuroma. Dr. Stewart will exhaust all surgical treatment prior to recommending surgical intervention.

I promise you if you are looking for an expert in his field, a doctor that truly cares, and a doctor that knows how to run a business then you need to contact Dr. Jordan Stewart – he is top of the line. – Susan McLean

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Conservative treatment for Neuromas includes:

  1. Steroid injections
  2. Ice and elevation
  3. Custom foot orthotics with off-loading pads
  4. Nerve ablation procedures
  5. Weight loss
  6. Medications including anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), Tylenol, oral steroids, and in some cases narcotic pain medication
  7. Avoidance of flip-flops, flats, and barefoot walking
  8. Therapeutic laser
  9. Modification of physical activity including avoidance of walking, jogging, running, and the elliptical for exercise. Recommended exercises include circuit training, swimming, and bicycling
  10. Supportive shoe gear including a motion control running shoe such as Brooks, Asics, New Balance, or Saucony. Keen and Merrell style shoes are also recommended
  11. Modification of physical activity to lower impact activities

In certain circumstances, conservative treatment is insufficient to treat a neuroma and surgical intervention is required. With surgery, the neuroma is excised. This results in permanent numbness along the distribution of the excised nerve. Surgery is generally successful, yet patients need to be aware that nerves can be very difficult to treat and there is always the possibility of developing what is known as a stump neuroma. A stump neuroma is a neuroma that forms at the level the nerve was transected and excised. Treatment of a stump neuroma is similar to treatment of the original neuroma.