Neuromas are swelling of nerves that result from compression or trauma over time that result in permanent damage to the nerves
. For people the most common site for a neuroma are in the balls of their feet. This is because there are a lot of nerves that get pinched and then swell up as people walk, run, and jump. Several major common symptoms of neuromas are a burning or a tingling sensation feeling in the balls of the feet, or they relate that I feel like I am walking on a marble. Marc Blatstien, Podiatrist said that people can get relief by removing their shoes and rub the ball of the foot that is hurting. Some people may get to the point that as they walk they will feel a popping sensation in the balls of their feet.
Pain that is cause from the neuromas is intermittent and can be aggravated by anything that results in more pinching of the nerve. Some people may have the neuroma in between the second & third or third and fourth toes; this is called the Mortons Neuroma. Marc Blatstien, Podiatrist said that all physicians should thoroughly review history of the patient and the complaint of the patients pain before they can make a correct diagnosis.
Marc Blatstien, Podiatrist told us that following a comprehensive H&P a diagnosis can be made, but there are conditions that will mimic the pain associated with neuromas. Some of these are stress fractures of the metatarsals, inflammation of the tendons in the bottom of the toes, various forms of arthritis of joints where the toes and the metatarsal meet. Most commonly a physician can X-ray the foot to evaluate the possibility of a stress fractures but X-rays will not show a neuroma. Most skilled foot specialists will have the ability to palpate the area of the neuroma in the exam of the foot. Since neuromas can be painful it is important that the specialist take every precaution and gives the patient instructions on relief of the pain.