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Neuroma Specialist

Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists

Podiatry & Foot and Ankle Specialists located in Bradenton, FL & Sarasota, University Park, FL, & Ellenton, FL

A neuroma leads to discomfort in the ball of your foot with every step you take. If it feels like you always have a pebble in your shoe, even though nothing is there, schedule a neuroma evaluation with the team at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists today. The practice has three convenient office locations in University Park, Ellenton, and Bradenton, Florida. You can request your visit online or call any location directly to schedule an appointment.

Neuroma Q & A

What is a neuroma?

A neuroma, which is often referred to as a benign tumor, is a patch of inflamed nerve tissue that forms in the ball of your foot, usually right between your third and fourth toes. This is formally known as a “Morton’s neuroma.” 

Nerve tissue in your foot tends to thicken because of stress or pressure on the nerve. This issue can be caused by:

  • Inherited traits
  • Improper shoe gear
  • High heels or pointy shoes
  • Development of bunions or hammertoes
  • Toe joint instability from flatfeet or high arches

Repeated stress is another cause of neuromas. For instance, if you work on your feet all day or are an avid runner, the strain on your forefoot can lead to neuromas. 

Are neuromas painful?

They certainly can be. The pain and discomfort you feel with a neuroma often occur near the middle of the ball of your foot. You may notice that this pain radiates throughout your foot. Sometimes, a neuroma also leads to tingling, swelling, and numbness.

The most common complaint neuroma sufferers have is that it always feels like there’s something in their shoe, like a pebble or marble, or that their sock is always bunched up. 

This effect occurs even though nothing is there and no visible mass is present. It’s just a side effect of severely inflamed nerve tissue.

Can I get treatment for a neuroma?

Yes. With the help of the highly trained podiatrists at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists, you can undergo a comprehensive neuroma treatment plan to get the relief you deserve. Treating a neuroma can include:

  • Switching to roomier shoes
  • Getting corticosteroid injections
  • Padding and taping the ball of your foot
  • Putting padding or custom orthotics in your shoes
  • Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Sometimes surgery is the best solution for neuromas. The expert team at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists can remove the affected nerve, release the impinging ligament around the nerve, or make any other essential repairs to resolve your neuroma symptoms. 

Schedule your neuroma evaluation at Cortez Foot & Ankle Specialists by calling any office or requesting your visit online to book an appointment.