FACT SHEET
Neuromas
What are Neuromas?
Commonly called a Morton's Neuroma, this problem begins when the outer coating of a nerve in your foot thickens. This thickening is usually caused by irritation that results when two bones repeatedly rub together, often due to abnormal foot biomechanics, combined with increased pressure from footwear. The area between the third and fourth toes is the most commonly affected area, however it can occur between other toes.
Symptoms
The pain starts gradually, causing burning, tingling, cramping, or numbness. Symptoms often occur after you've been walking for a period of time. Initially it may start after a few hours of walking, then only after half an hour and eventually it occurs after only walking 100 meters.
It might feel like you're stepping on a small lump in your shoe. You may need to take your shoe off and rub your foot. In some cases, the pain and numbness will decrease after lightly rubbing your foot as it improves the circulation to the affected area, however this will only be temporary until you begin walking again with shoes.
Evaluation
To help diagnose your problem and determine the best treatment for your neuroma, your Podiatrist will look at your medical history, examine your foot, and perform a few simple tests. One test involves looking for a click between the bones with side-to-side pressure, called a ‘Mulder’s Click’.
How to Treat Neuromas?
After a detailed evaluation, your Podiatrist will talk with you about the most appropriate care for your neuroma. Nonsurgical treatment methods may include temporary padding and strapping and shoe adjustments. If temporary treatment is successful a more permanent device may be made. If there is an underlying biomechanical foot problem, your Podiatrist will discuss this with you.
Will I Need Surgery?
f nonsurgical care does not help, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma. Surgery for neuroma problems is usually performed in day surgery and can be performed by both Podiatric Surgeons (A Podiatrist trained in foot surgery) and Orthopaedic Surgeon.
After Surgery
Following your surgery, you may feel numbness (possibly permanent) in the area where the nerve was removed, however there is no loss of movement or function. Usually, you can return to normal activities within several weeks following the surgery.
