The most common location for a neuroma is in the ball of the foot between the third and fourth metatarsal bones just behind the toes. Neuromas are formed when the nerve that runs between the metatarsal bones becomes injured due to pressure and friction from the surrounding bones and other structures. The injured nerve then becomes inflamed and enlarged from scar tissue. The most frequent symptoms of neuromas are pain, tingling and numbness in the ball of the foot, which can radiate to the toes and up into the foot and leg. Symptoms are exacerbated by walking, standing and wearing tight shoes.
Symptoms can also be somewhat vague, often causing the diagnosis to be missed.
A wide variety of treatments is available, depending on the severity and stage of the neuroma. Conservative treatments include pads and orthotics to scparate and stabilize the metatarsal bones that are irritating the neuroma. Cortisone injections help to decrease the inflammation around the neuroma and break up surrounding scar tissue. Both treatments can ease symptoms. If the painful symptoms return after conservative treatments, surgical excision of the neuroma is required to correct the problem.