Foot Neuroma

A foot neuroma affects the nerves in the feet - the common plantar digital nerves between the metatarsal bones in the foot. A foot neuroma typically affects the nerve between the third and fourth metatarsal bones resulting in numbness and pain in the third and fourth toes. A foot neuroma may also affect the nerve between the second and third metatarsal bones, thereby resulting in numbness in the second and third toes.

What causes a foot neuroma?

Stress upon the nerves in the feet.
Swelling around the nerves in the feet.
Pressure on the metatarsal bones.
Growth of a lump (lipoma), fluid on the joint (bursa), inflammation of the joint
Ill fitting footwear.

Why is a foot neuroma so painful and what happens if it is not treated?

The pressure on the nerve causes a sharp shooting pain that is felt in the ball of the foot and in the toes.
Some clients feel toe pain only, where there is a feeling of burning, tingling and numbness between the toes.
The pain may be mild to severe, regular to persistent.
If a foot neuroma is not treated, then pain will continue and the neuroma will get larger.

How is a foot neuroma diagnosed?

During the consultation it may be that the foot neuroma can be confirmed through examination of the foot, or an area of thickening in the foot may be observed, which may be painful.
It may be that an ultrasound scan is required.
In severe cases when the client is suffering a great deal of pain, a pain relieving injection may be delivered to provide temporary relief.

How can a foot neuroma be treated?

Depending on the diagnosis, a foot neuroma can be treated with orthotics, injections or surgery.

What happens during foot neuroma surgery?

A small cut is made in the foot, between the toes that are affected. The neuroma will then be removed and will create better space around the nerve.
The procedure will be under local or general anaesthetic within our chosen Hospital Theatre.

What happens after the foot neuroma surgery?

The toes and/or feet normally take 3-4 weeks to heal, following the correct wound-care advice.
Special footwear will need to be worn after the operation.
There will be 2 post-operative visits required. The first visit is normally 10-14 days post-procedure with Dr Masucci. The second visit will be 4 weeks post-procedure.

Will there be any post-operative infection?

Infection immediately following the procedure is unlikely.
On rare occasions, (mostly if wound-care advice is not followed) an infection may occur usually between 1-2 weeks following the procedure.

Will the foot neuroma ever grow back?

On rare occasions, it may be that a foot neuroma reoccurs.

Can I claim on my health insurance?

Masucci Podiatry is recognised by all the major health insurers. Whilst we will always answer your questions to the best of our ability, clients should be aware of the terms of their health insurance policy before coming to the first appointment with us.