Will a Neuroma Go Away on Its Own?
May 02, 2023
Foot pain is a problem — primarily when it affects the ball of your foot. If you have Morton's neuroma, you may have intense discomfort between your toes on the bottom of your foot.
The real question is, can you get rid of the neuroma on your own, or do you need expert treatment for the condition?
If your foot is still bothering you after trying several treatments, our team at Toe-Tal Foot and Ankle Care has the knowledge and experience to help. Dr. Daniel Cairns is our podiatry expert who offers customized treatments for neuromas so you can get back to your normal activities.
A neuroma is an inflammation around a nerve on the bottom of your foot between your toes. It's also known as Morton's neuroma, but not to worry; it's a benign condition, not a tumor.
When you have a neuroma, repeated pressure on the ball of your foot leads to the condition. The pressure stresses the nerves between your toes, usually your third and fourth toes. However, you can develop a neuroma between other toes as well.
You can develop a neuroma in several ways, some of which you can't control. For instance, if you have flat feet, you're more prone to getting a neuroma than someone with normal arches.
You're also at a higher risk for a neuroma if you play certain sports. "Activities like running and tennis put a lot of strain on the ball of your foot, possibly leading to the formation of a neuroma.
A neuroma can produce several uncomfortable symptoms when it develops. Depending on the severity of the neuroma, you can experience a variety of signs and symptoms, which include the following:
The longer you let the neuroma go without treatment, the worse your symptoms become. The only way to relieve a neuroma is to take measures at home or see Dr. Cairns for an evaluation and treatment.
Unfortunately, a neuroma typically doesn't go away independently; however, you can treat your pain at home with several methods. The type of home treatment depends on the severity of your neuroma and how long you've had it.
For mild to moderate pain from a neuroma, you can successfully treat your pain at home with rest and ice on the bottom of your foot. You can also use pads in your shoes to help relieve pressure on the neuroma.
Another way you can tame your foot pain is by choosing well-fitting shoes. You want to pick a comfortable shoe with a wide toe box. Avoid shoes that have a pointy toe or a heel that's higher than two inches.
These home therapies can significantly help your pain but don't make the neuroma disappear. If you're trying to treat it at home without significant relief, you may need to seek expert help.
If you can't get pain relief using home remedies, Dr. Cairns is happy to help. He performs a physical exam to ensure your pain is due to a neuroma. When you visit for your appointment, he evaluates your foot.
If Dr. Cairns determines you do, in fact, have a neuroma, he offers the following treatment options based on your symptoms and the severity of the problem:
Dr. Cairns starts with conservative treatments like shoe changes, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory medications. Orthotics are another excellent option to prevent your neuroma from getting worse.
However, he may suggest surgical intervention if none of these options successfully relieve your discomfort. A neurectomy is a standard surgical procedure where Dr. Cairns removes part of the damaged nerve to provide you with permanent relief.
Surgery is invasive, so it's often the last resort for a neuroma. However, if necessary, Dr. Cairns provides all the information you need before the procedure so you know what to expect.
Call our Toe-Tal Foot and Ankle Care team today at 817-518-7348 to make an appointment with Dr. Cairns for a neuroma, or book a consultation online.