What is a Neuroma?

Funny things are happening with your foot: sharp pains, two toes separating, feeling like you are walking on a marble or pebble, burning, or tingling in two toes. This may be a Morton's Neuroma. Fibrosis or thickening around the nerve that goes between the metatarsal heads of the foot can cause these symptoms. Typically, the metatarsal bones are too close together, and the rubbing or friction on the nerve and the adjacent metatarsal heads causes the neuroma to form. There will be symptoms in the two toes that are innervated by that particular nerve. Often, the third and fourth toes are involved. Tight shoes, high heeled shoes, trauma, genetic position of the bones, and other causes can generate the neuroma. Neuromas can be diagnosed with a clinical exam and occasionally with MRI or diagnostic ultrasound. X-Rays cannot identify the neuroma (a soft tissue mass) but can look at the position of the metatarsal bones (which can lead to neuroma formation). Common treatments for neuromas include the following: injections, padding, orthotic devices, shoe changes, activity changes, and surgical excision. Pain in your foot? Give us a call, 708-763-0580. Dr. Mary Ann Bender, 6931 W. North, Oak Park, IL 60302.