Effective Treatment Options for Neuromas

Until you feel the pain of neuromas, you may not have any idea what a neuroma is. Unless you suffer from one, it is not something that is often discussed. The most common type of neuroma is Morton’s Neuroma, which is located on the bottom of the foot. Dr. Neda Arjomandi of Laguna Woods Podiatry Group in Laguna Hills, CA, can provide the treatments you need to get back to your active daily life if you’re having this problem. 

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a non-cancerous tumor that is attached to a nerve. It is a very strange sensation when you have a neuroma on the ball of your foot. It feels like there is a stone on your shoe and when you shake it out, nothing is there. But when you put your shoe back on, the sensation is still there. The feeling of the pebble is located between the second and third toes or the pad or the third and fourth toe. If you have flat feet or high arches, you are at greater risk of developing neuroma.  

Treatment options for neuroma

When you have a neuroma, it can be quite painful, and you need to see a podiatrist to get a treatment plan. You may need to have some tests done so that an accurate diagnosis can be made. This may include an ultrasound and/or an MRI so that the tissues are visible in the test. An X-ray can help eliminate other possibilities but only shows bones. Once the diagnosis is made, a treatment plan can be created for neuromas in Laguna Hills, CA. 

Conservative options are always the first option. This includes:

• Treating the pain with OTC NSAIDs helps reduce inflammation.
• Using ice to relieve the pain and inflammation. 
• Reducing the amount of activity that you are doing. 
• A recommendation to change your footwear may be made. You should avoid narrow shoes with high heels. 
• OTC or custom orthotics are a common option along with cushion pads.
• A steroid injection into the neuroma is also an option. 

If none of these conservative options provides relief, then surgery may be the next step. The nerve can be removed from the foot and some realignment of ligaments may be required. Recovery is relatively quick, taking between two and four weeks. 

Dr. Arjomandi of Laguna Woods Podiatry Group, is board-certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. She offers treatments for neuromas in Laguna Hills, CA. To make an appointment, call our office at 949-581-2520.