A neuroma is a painful condition, also referred to as a “pinched nerve” or a nerve tumor. It is a benign growth of nerve tissue frequently found between the third and fourth toes. It brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.

The principal symptom associated with a neuroma is pain between the toes while walking. Those suffering from the condition often find relief by stopping their walk, taking off their shoe, and rubbing the affected area. At times, the patient will describe the pain as similar to having a stone in his or her shoe. The vast majority of people who develop neuromas are women.

Although the exact cause for this condition is unclear, a number of factors can contribute to the formation of a neuroma:

Biomechanical deformities, such as a high-arched foot or a flat foot, can lead to the formation of a neuroma. These foot types bring on instability around the toe joints, leading to the development of the condition.

Trauma can cause damage to the nerve, resulting in inflammation or swelling of the nerve.

Improper footwear that causes the toes to be squeezed together is problematic. Avoid high-heeled shoes higher than two inches. Shoes at this height can increase pressure on the forefoot area.

Repeated stress, common to many occupations, can create or aggravate a neuroma. 

The symptoms of a neuroma include the following:

• Pain in the forefoot and between the toes

• Tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot

• Swelling between the toes

• Pain in the ball of the foot when weight is placed on it

What can you do for relief?

• Wear shoes with plenty of room for the toes to move, low heels, and laces or buckles that allow for width adjustment.

• Wear shoes with thick, shock-absorbent soles, as well as proper insoles that are designed to keep excessive pressure off of the foot.

• High-heeled shoes over two inches tall should be avoided whenever possible because they place undue strain on the forefoot.

• Resting the foot and massaging the affected area can temporarily alleviate neuroma pain. Use an ice pack to help to dull the pain and improve comfort.

• Use over-the-counter shoe pads. These pads can relieve pressure around the affected area.

Podiatric medical care should be sought at the first sign of pain or discomfort. If left untreated, neuromas tend to get worse.

Treatment options vary with the severity of each neuroma, and identifying the neuroma early in its development is important to avoid surgical correction.

For simple, undeveloped neuromas, a pair of thick-soled shoes with a wide toe box is often adequate treatment to relieve symptoms, allowing the condition to diminish on its own. For more severe conditions, however, additional treatment or surgery may be necessary to remove the tumor.

The primary goal of most early treatment regimens is to relieve pressure on areas where a neuroma develops. Your podiatrist will examine and likely X-ray the affected area and suggest a treatment plan that best suits your individual case.

Padding and Taping: Special padding at the ball of the foot may change the abnormal foot function and relieve the symptoms caused by the neuroma.

Medication: Anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone injections can be prescribed to ease acute pain and inflammation caused by the neuroma.

Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts made by your podiatrist may be useful in controlling foot function. Orthotics may reduce symptoms and prevent the worsening of the condition.

Surgical Options: When early treatments fail and the neuroma progresses past the threshold for such options, podiatric surgery may become necessary. The procedure, which removes the inflamed and enlarged nerve, can usually be conducted on an outpatient basis, with a recovery time that is often just a few weeks. Your podiatrist will thoroughly describe the surgical procedures to be used and the results you can expect. Any pain following surgery is easily managed with medications prescribed by your podiatrist.

• Although the exact causes of neuromas are not completely known, the following preventive steps may help:

• Make sure your exercise shoes have enough room in the front part of the shoe and that your toes are not excessively compressed.

• Wear shoes with adequate padding in the ball of the foot.

• Avoid prolonged time in shoes with a narrow toe box or excessive heel height (greater than two inches).