A podiatrist can help you with a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including Morton’s neuroma. A neuroma is the thickening of nerve tissue in the body, with Morton's neuroma specifically happening in the ball of the foot. It’s caused by an irritation in the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Patients experience pain while walking, with a burning, tingling, or numbness. 

• Trauma or injury to the foot, damaging the nerve and resulting in swelling.
• Improper footwear, like shoes that squeeze the foot together. High heels also increase pressure on the vulnerable areas.
• Recurring stress to the feet through repeated physical activities or exercise. This is common with patients who are constantly on their feet due to their job. 
• Deformities of the foot, like a high arch or flat foot. These lead to instability throughout the foot. 

• Taping and padding: This is a special type of tape and bandages that you place on the bottom of the foot. This helps with your symptoms. 
• Orthotics: These are the custom shoes that your podiatrist can create for you. 
• Medication: Cortisone injections reduce the pain and inflammation in the foot. Anti-inflammatory drugs also reduce your swelling. 
• Surgery is the last resort for treatment. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The injured nerve is removed and recovery takes a few weeks.

What Are Neuromas?

You might be walking along and feel pain near the ball of your foot, like there’s a rock inside your shoe. If the ache stays with you, a condition called neuroma might be the cause. A neuroma is a growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. Led by Dr. Silvers, Dr. Witt, and Dr. Lloyd, Advanced Foot and Ankle Center (offices in Prosper and McKinney, TX) offers treatments for neuromas. Here's all you need to know about neuromas.

Causes of Neuromas: Neuromas can have numerous causes. Some common causes of neuromas include: genetics, ill-fitting shoes, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, repetitive trauma, and pregnancy. Neuromas can also be caused by biomechanical problems, such as a bunion or foot pronation.

Symptoms of Neuromas: Normally, there are no outward signs, such as a lump, because a neuroma is not really a tumor. A neuroma is a painful condition. There may be a sharp, burning pain or numbness in your toes or ball of your foot.

Diagnosis of Neuromas: At your appointment, your podiatrist in McKinney will perform a physical examination. Your podiatrist will order x-rays or other imaging tests to confirm a diagnosis. X-rays may be required to rule out a fracture or arthritis of the joints that join the toes to the foot. X-rays alone will not show whether or not a neuroma is present, so an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging test may be done to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment of Neuromas: People with neuromas may need to take painkillers, change their footwear, or get steroid injections. Prescription orthotics can help reduce pressure on the nerve and relieve your pain. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected nerve or release the pressure on it. Surgery is an effective treatment for neuromas.

Save yourself from pain! Don't delay- call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center at (972) 542-2155 right now to schedule a consultation with one of our podiatrists in Prosper or McKinney, TX. Get your life back on track by receiving the best neuroma treatment available. We will help you cure your pain fast!