How to Recover From a Neuroma

A neuroma is a noncancerous growth or tumor that can develop in various parts of the body. Morton's and acoustic are the most common neuromas. An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that grows slowly on a cranial nerve connecting the ear to the brain. It can cause hearing loss. Morton's neuroma affects nerves in your foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. Symptoms include burning, numbness and stinging in the toes, and there is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Morton's neuroma may be triggered by irritation, injury or pressure. Medicine and surgery are used to recover from neuroma.

Things You'll Need

• Ice

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Instructions

Instructions

• 1

  Try self-care. Even if you aren't sure exactly what the problem is, ice can help with pain. Use an ice pack to rub or massage the part of your foot where the suspected Morton's neuroma is hurting.

• 2

  Get diagnosed. A neuroma in your foot may be easier to spot without a doctor than a neuroma on your cranial nerve. Your physician will determine what your problem is and how to best treat it. For Morton's neuroma, your doctor may suggest resting your foot, finding better-fitting shoes, orthotics such as arch supports, and over-the-counter medicines for inflammation and pain.

• 3

  Monitor your condition. Your doctor will watch the growth and development of an acoustic neuroma. There may be X-rays and hearing tests to see if you have developed hearing loss.

• 4

  Use injections. Corticosteroid injections are steroid medicines for pain and inflammation. Your doctor may use this treatment for Morton's neuroma or choose to offer you diluted alcohol injections.

• 5

  Use radiation treatment. Stereotactic radiosurgery is a non-invasive procedure in which the doctor numbs your scalp, attaches a lightweight head frame, and uses imaging scans such as X-rays to find the acoustic neuroma on your brain. The doctor will aim a beam of radiation at your brain to shrink the neuroma.

• 6

  Have surgery. A surgeon will remove an acoustic neuroma while trying to preserve hearing and facial nerves. If those nerves are damaged, it can cause facial paralysis. Surgical removal of Morton's neuroma is used as a last resort because it requires the removal of nerves. This can cause permanent numbness in the toes.