Richmond Hill Foot Clinic & Orthotics - NEUROMA
HOMEPAGE – NEUROMA
NEUROMA
WHAT IS A NEUROMA?
A neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) thickening or growth of nerve tissue, often caused by irritation, pressure, or injury to a nerve. The most common type in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It can cause sharp, burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected area, often worsened by walking or wearing tight shoes.
WHAT CAUSES A NEUROMA?
Neuromas are caused by irritation, pressure, or injury to a nerve, often from repetitive stress or compression. Common causes include wearing tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes, high heels that put extra pressure on the ball of the foot, foot deformities like bunions or hammertoes, and activities that involve repetitive impact or pressure on the forefoot. Over time, this irritation leads to the thickening of nerve tissue, resulting in a neuroma.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
- Wearing wider, more comfortable shoes to reduce pressure on the affected nerve
- Orthotic inserts to help support the foot and relieve nerve irritation
- Padding or taping techniques to cushion the area and reduce stress
- Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and swelling (always check with your doctor first)
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and provide relief
- Physical therapy to improve foot mechanics and reduce pressure on the nerve
- Surgical removal in severe or persistent cases when other treatments don’t work