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Neuroma Foot Problem & Cures

A neuroma of the foot (Morton's neuroma) is not a tumor but a swelling of a nerve caused by pressure on the nerve or a foot injury. Most commonly, the nerves in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth metatarsal bones become pinched and inflamed, causing pain and numbness. Neuromas can develop from twisting on the foot while playing golf or tennis, having flat feet or wearing high heels or tight shoes.

  1. Rest

    • Rest and elevate your foot to relieve pressure on the nerve until any pain or numbness eases, indicating that the swelling has decreased, because prolonged pressure can cause permanent nerve damage. FootPhysicians.com recommends you apply an ice pack to the painful area to further reduce swelling. Stop any activities that increase discomfort, such as repetitive activities like walking or engaging in sports, and avoid improperly fitted shoes. When the acute pain subsides, you may benefit from physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the arch.

    Orthotics

    • Wear a metatarsal raise in your shoe to relieve nerve pressure. The raise is a self-adhesive egg-shaped pad that is placed under the ball of the foot to spread the bones and relieve pressure on the nerve. If you have flat feet, you may need specially fitted orthotics to support your arch and keep your foot in the correct position. Wear only flat shoes with a wide toe box so that the bones of your foot are not compressed.

    Medications

    • Take medical treatment if pain and numbness persist. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, may reduce discomfort and inflammation. According to Kirk A Koepsel, D.P.M., at PodiatryNetwork.com, the most common treatment for a persistent neuroma is a steroid (cortisone) injection directly into the foot in the area of the neuroma to reduce inflammation and swelling of the nerve. If pain is severe, the physician may inject a local anesthetic into the area of the neuroma to reduce pain.

    Neurolysis/Surgery

    • Consider invasive procedures if other treatments are ineffective. Neurolysis is the chemical destruction of the nerve by repeated injections (usually weekly for seven weeks) of ethanol into the tissue about the neuroma. Dr. Koepsel states that neurolysis is effective about 60 percent of the time. If the neuroma persists, the definitive cure is surgery in which the nerve is cut. Usually surgery is done under a local anesthetic through the top of the foot with healing within about three weeks.

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