Neuroma Symptom Management: 4 Nonsurgical Treatment Options

You’re going about your daily life when you notice pain between your toes when you walk. Over time, the symptoms, which feel like having a stone in your foot, grow worse. 

If you know that scenario all too well, you may be dealing with a neuroma. Also known as a nerve tumor or pinched nerve in your foot, neuromas are common, affecting about one in three people at some point. They’re also, thankfully, treatable.

At Mayfair Foot Care in Commack, New York, Drs. Edward Buro, Christine Peterson, and Rosario Saccomanno treat neuromas so you can walk easily and without pain. 

Let’s take a closer look at this uncomfortable foot condition, including several nonsurgical ways to manage your symptoms.

Neuroma basics

Neuromas are benign growths, usually located between your middle and fourth toes. They involve the thickening and swelling of a nerve.

Once a neuroma sets in, you may experience burning sensations, tingling, or numbness in the area. Most often, neuromas present with a lot of pain that worsens with activity.

Removing your shoe or rubbing the region may relieve symptoms, but symptoms typically return. And while anyone can develop a neuroma, they’re especially common in women. Frequently wearing high heels or having flat feet increases your risk.

Nonsurgical neuroma treatments

Our treatment plans for neuromas at Mayfair Foot Care start as minimally invasive as possible. While the specifics vary, all treatments aim to minimize pain and inflammation between your toes. They do so by reducing pressure on the affected nerves. 

Your nonsurgical options may include:

1. Custom orthotics to keep your foot well-positioned
2. Medication, such as ibuprofen or a corticosteroid injection
3. Padding to cushion the ball of your foot
4. Taping, often with a pad

Switching to more appropriate shoes can also alleviate your neuroma symptoms. Swapping out tight or high-heeled shoes for supportive walking shoes, for example, can go far. For occasional flare-ups, consider resting and icing your neuroma for 10-20 minutes at a time.

When to consider neuroma surgery

Our team will help determine if or when you’re a candidate for neuroma surgery. You may benefit from the procedure if noninvasive treatments fail to bring sufficient relief. Neuroma surgery removes problematic nerves to ease your pain and improve your mobility. Typically effective, you can expect to be up on your feet like normal within several weeks or months.

Call Mayfair Foot Care or schedule an appointment using our online booking feature today to learn more about neuroma symptom management or get the care you need.