Neuroma Specialist

Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center

Foot & Ankle Surgeons located in Wheat Ridge, CO & Arvada, CO

If you have foot pain on the ball of your foot that gets worse when you run or walk, you may have a neuroma. Fortunately, Matthew Paden, DPM, FACFAS, Dustin Kruse, DPM, MA, FACFAS, and Brett Sachs, DPM, FACFAS at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center in Evergreen and Wheat Ridge, Colorado, have years of experience in diagnosing and treating neuromas and can relieve your foot pain. Don’t suffer in silence. Call the nearest office, or book an appointment online today.

Neuroma Q & A

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma is a benign growth of tissue that typically forms between your third and fourth toes. The growth compresses nerve tissue in your foot and causes symptoms like pain or a burning sensation in the ball of your foot that is worse when you put pressure on your foot.

Many people compare the sensation to having a stone in their shoe. You might also experience swelling between your toes or a sensation of tingling or numbness.

Neuroma pain typically flares up during activities like walking, running, or prolonged periods on your feet. However, sitting down, taking your shoe off, or massaging your foot can relieve your pain. Getting treatment as soon as the pain starts can stop your neuroma from worsening and turning even more painful.

What causes a neuroma?

Neuromas develop following excessive pressure to the nerves that lead to your toes. Your body responds by building up tissue to absorb the extra pressure, but that tissue ultimately compresses your nerve. Some of the risk factors for neuromas include:

  • High-impact sports that involve running and jumping
  • Footwear like high heels and the tight shoes needed for rock climbing or skiing
  • Foot deformities like high arches, flat feet, hammertoes, and bunions

How are neuromas treated?

The podiatrists at Rocky Mountain Foot and Ankle Center treat neuromas with an objective of relieving the extra pressure on your foot. Your doctor will suggest you change your shoes to a style with a thick sole and a wide toe box.

If an abnormal gait is causing the pressure, they’ll also suggest padding and taping the ball of your foot or custom orthotics to correct the movement of your foot when you walk or run.

Your podiatrist may also suggest anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections to provide pain relief.  

If these conservative treatments aren’t effective, your podiatrist may suggest surgery to remove the growth. These surgeries are usually outpatient procedures and require only a few weeks of recovery time. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options with you and answer all of your questions thoroughly.

If you have pain in the ball of your foot that gets worse when you walk or run, call or make an appointment online today.