Neuroma
Overview
Intermetatarsal neuroma, or more commonly: neuroma, develops when the tissue around a nerve thickens and pinches the nerve, irritating it and causing pain. While they can occur anywhere, they are most commonly found in the foot. The pain is often comparable to feeling a small rock or pebble inside of the shoe.
Causes
Women are more likely to develop neuroma because of high heeled or uncomfortable/ ill-fitting dress shoes. However, neuroma can still occur in anyone if their feet are under a high amount of pressure.
Symptoms
- A sharp pain which increases with activity
- Pain after removing shoes, or which intensifies during the wear of certain shoes
- Clicking sounds during movement
Treatment
Because neuroma is most often caused by shoes which put excessive pressure on the feet, wearing the specific shoes sparingly and instead switching to shoes with a large area to take pressure off of the nerve for everyday wear. Over the counter shoe pads are also available to accommodate and cushion the affected area. Surgery is not required for most cases of Morton’s Neuroma, however the most common surgical treatments include:
- Radiofrequency Ablation
- Neurectomy
- Cryogenic Neuroablation