About 33% of people have neuromas, painful nerve tumors in the ball of the foot. If you feel like there’s a rock stuck in the front of your shoe, it’s likely a neuroma, and experienced podiatrist Ashkan Soleymani, DPM, from Cedars Foot and Ankle Center can help. Dr. Soleymani offers both conservative and surgical care in Inglewood and Tarzana, California, so schedule a visit online or by phone today.
A neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) bundle of nerve tissue usually developing on the underside of your foot, between your third and fourth toes. While a neuroma isn't cancerous, it can cause very uncomfortable symptoms and usually requires treatment.
Neuromas typically cause symptoms such as:
Neuroma symptoms usually increase with pressure on the balls of your feet, such as wearing high-heeled shoes.
Experts believe that neuromas happen with prolonged pressure, chronic irritation, or injury to a nerve in your foot.
Heels over 2 inches high can contribute to neuromas because they throw most of your weight forward, adding pressure to the balls of your feet. Neuromas predominantly affect women, which is most likely related, at least in part, to wearing high heels.
People with foot deformities, including bunions, flat feet, and high arches, are more likely to develop neuromas because structural abnormalities can place a great deal of pressure on the nerves in the balls of your feet.
Repetitive stress from high-impact sports like running can potentially irritate or damage your nerves, leading to neuromas over time.
At Cedars Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Soleymani examines your foot and reviews your medical history and lifestyle to diagnose your neuroma and find underlying factors.
Neuroma treatment typically involves conservative interventions such as avoiding high heels, wearing orthotics to correct abnormal movements, and anti-inflammatory medication. Persistent neuroma pain may improve with corticosteroid injections, which calm inflammation.
More than 80% of those with neuromas achieve relief with nonoperative treatments. If those treatments don't resolve your neuroma symptoms, Dr. Soleymani may recommend a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the nerve, destroy it, or remove it altogether.
After your neuroma treatment, Dr. Soleymani helps you avoid a recurrence. In most cases, simple changes like wearing different shoes and consistently wearing your orthotics can prevent another neuroma.
If you have pain in the ball of your foot, it could be a neuroma. Call the Cedars Foot and Ankle Center nearest to you or book an appointment online today.
