Neuroma

What is Neuroma?

Does if feel like you are walking on pebbles? A neuroma is a painful condition also known as “pinched nerve.” It is a benign tumor of a nerve typically causing pain to the ball of the foot. It can cause burning, tingling, or a numbing sensation between the toes. It is most common between the third and fourth toes.

How can you treat it?

Treatment for neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms, your activities, your foot structure, and how you have responded to previous care. Dr. Lee develops an individualized treatment plan that may include:

• Footwear modifications and padding to reduce pressure on the affected nerve
• Custom orthotics designed to improve support and offload the painful area
• Activity modification and icing
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), when medically appropriate
• Corticosteroid and local-anesthetic injections to reduce pain and inflammation
• Alcohol sclerosing injections, which may be considered in selected cases to chemically reduce painful nerve signals
• Nerve-ablation procedures, when appropriate
• Surgery to decompress the nerve or remove the affected portion of the nerve when nonsurgical treatment does not provide adequate relief

Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Following an examination—and diagnostic imaging when needed—Dr. Lee will explain the potential benefits, limitations, risks, and alternatives of each recommended option.