Neuroma Specialist
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Family Foot & Ankle Care
Adam Nguyen, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Lubbock, TX
Repetitive activities that stress your feet increase your risk for a painful neuroma. At Family Foot & Ankle Care in Lubbock, Texas, experienced podiatrist Adam Nguyen, DPM, offers diagnostic services to determine if a neuroma is the root cause of your pain. Dr. Nguyen focuses on customized, conservative therapies to treat your nerve pain and relieve the pressure on your foot. He also offers minimally invasive surgery to remove enlarged nerves, so you can stay pain free. To find out more about the treatments available for a neuroma, call Family Foot & Ankle Care today.
Neuroma Q&A
What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a painful condition that develops when you have a pinched nerve between your third and fourth toes.
This nerve pain might be the result of structural deformities in your foot, such as flatfoot or high arches. These conditions can put extra pressure on the nerves in your foot, causing pain and mobility issues.
Other potential causes of a neuroma include:
- Trauma
- Narrow shoes
- Repetitive stress
- Tissue thickening in the ball of your foot
When you notice you have pain or other symptoms that could indicate a neuroma, you should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Family Foot & Ankle Care to prevent a worsening of the nerve pain.
What are the symptoms of a neuroma?
A hallmark symptom of a neuroma is the sensation of having a pebble in your shoe that’s causing pain.
A neuroma can also cause other symptoms in your foot and toes, such as:
- Burning
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Numbness
Dr. Nguyen can confirm that your pain and other symptoms relate to a neuroma by physically examining your foot. He might also request an X-ray or other imaging tests to rule out other conditions.
How is a neuroma treated?
The initial treatment plan for a neuroma focuses on conservative therapies to take the pressure off the nerves in the ball of your foot. Dr. Nguyen may recommend treatments like medications, orthotics, and taping and pads.
Medications
Over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers and anti-inflammatories can treat pain and reduce the inflammation that’s pressing on your nerves.
Taping and pads
You might benefit from taping the ball of your foot to keep your foot in alignment. Adding a cushioning pad to your shoe can also relieve foot pain.
Orthotics
Orthotics like shoe inserts are medical devices that conform to your foot and ankle. Regular use of orthotics can take the pressure off the nerves on the underside of your foot to prevent additional neuromas.
If conservative therapies aren’t enough to relieve chronic nerve pain, you might be a candidate for surgery. Dr. Nguyen can use minimally invasive surgical techniques to remove enlarged nerves that contribute to neuroma pain.
How can I prevent a neuroma?
Following your surgery or other treatment, you need to wear only supportive shoes that are wide enough for your feet.
Dr. Nguyen can also recommend other foot care strategies to keep you mobile and free of foot pain free.
To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for neuroma symptoms, call Family Foot & Ankle Care or book an appointment online today.
