Neuroma Specialist in Ocoee, FL
A neuroma, also called a Morton’s neuroma, is a common problem that affects about 1 in 3 people. While anyone can experience a neuroma, they’re more common in women than men. At West Orange Podiatry, expert podiatrist Michael Laliberte, DPM, has years of experience diagnosing and treating neuromas. To make an appointment at the practice in Ocoee, Florida, call the office today or schedule online.
FAQ's About Neuroma
A neuroma is a medical term for a benign (non-cancerous) nerve tumor. They occur when one of the nerves between your toe bones becomes inflamed. Over time, the inflammation causes pain in the ball of your foot and the sensation of having something stuck in your shoe.
As the neuroma grows in size, your symptoms become more noticeable. Fortunately, with early intervention, neuromas are relatively easy to treat.
Symptoms of a neuroma include:
- Swelling between the toes.
- Tingling or numbness in your foot.
- Sharp, stinging, or burning pain.
- The feeling of having something in your shoe, like a pebble.
If you have a neuroma, you might also notice the pain is worse when you wear high heels or other types of shoes that put pressure on the balls of your feet.
Neuromas affect people of all ages, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Having high arches or flat feet.
- Wearing high heels or other tight shoes.
- Playing sports that put pressure on the balls of your feet.
- A congenital foot issue.
You’re also more likely to experience a neuroma if you’re a woman. Researchers estimate women are 8 to 10 more times likely to develop a neuroma than men.
At West Orange Podiatry, Dr. Laliberte diagnoses a neuroma by reviewing your medical history, and asking about your symptoms, including when they started, their severity, and if any activities like exercise make them worse.
Next, he physically examines your feet to see if there’s a mass between your toes. Dr. Laliberte gently presses on the ball of your foot to pinpoint the source of your discomfort. If necessary, he might also order X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI.
At West Orange Podiatry, Dr. Laliberte uses conservative treatments to manage neuromas whenever possible. He might recommend:
- Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes.
- Using inserts or custom orthotics.
- Ice.
- Rest.
- Corticosteroid injections.
- Alcohol sclerosing injections.
- Over-the-counter pain medication.
If your symptoms don’t respond to conservative treatments or they continue to progress, Dr. Laliberte might recommend a type of surgery called neurectomy. During a neurectomy, Dr. Laliberte carefully removes the excess nerve tissue, relieving pain and inflammation.