Neuromas
A neuroma can cause burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot and between the toes, often becoming more noticeable in certain shoes or during activity.
Common Neuroma Symptoms
A neuroma involves irritation and thickening of tissue around a nerve in the forefoot. Symptoms can vary depending on where the nerve is affected and how much pressure is placed on the area.
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness that extends into the toes
- Feeling like there is a pebble or fold in your shoe
- Pain that becomes worse in tight or narrow footwear
- Symptoms that increase with walking or activity
- Relief when shoes are removed or the foot is rested
What Causes a Neuroma?
A neuroma can develop when a nerve in the forefoot is repeatedly irritated or compressed. Foot structure, footwear, and activities that place repeated pressure on the ball of the foot may all contribute.
- Tight or narrow footwear
- Repeated pressure on the forefoot
- High-impact or repetitive activity
- Foot structure and mechanics
- Bunions, hammertoes, or other conditions that change forefoot pressure
How We Evaluate a Neuroma
Dr. Forman evaluates pressure points, foot mechanics, and how the nerve responds during movement to determine whether a neuroma may be causing the pain.
Pain Location
Where burning, tingling, numbness, or tenderness is occurring in the forefoot and toes.
Pressure & Movement
How symptoms respond to walking, footwear, activity, and pressure across the ball of the foot.
Foot Mechanics
Whether foot structure, alignment, or another condition may be increasing pressure on the affected nerve.
Neuroma Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity of the nerve symptoms, what may be contributing to the pressure, and how much the condition is affecting walking, footwear, and daily activity.
Non-Surgical Neuroma Treatment
For many patients, neuroma treatment begins with reducing pressure and irritation around the affected nerve.
The goal is to reduce irritation around the nerve and make walking and everyday activity more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
A foot neuroma involves irritation and thickening of tissue around a nerve, commonly in the forefoot. It can cause burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp pain in the ball of the foot and toes.
Common neuroma symptoms include burning or sharp forefoot pain, tingling or numbness in the toes, and the feeling that there is a pebble or fold inside your shoe. Symptoms may become worse with walking, activity, or tight footwear.
A neuroma can develop when a nerve in the forefoot is repeatedly compressed or irritated. Tight footwear, repetitive pressure, high-impact activity, foot mechanics, bunions, and hammertoes may all contribute.
Yes. Neuroma treatment often begins with non-surgical options such as wider footwear, metatarsal padding, orthotics, activity modifications, and targeted injections when appropriate. Surgery may be considered if symptoms continue despite these approaches.
Surgery may be considered when neuroma pain remains persistent despite non-surgical treatment and significantly affects walking, footwear, or daily activities. Dr. Forman can determine whether a surgical approach is appropriate based on the individual condition.
Put Your Feet First provides evaluation and treatment for neuromas and other causes of forefoot nerve pain in Scottsdale, Arizona. Dr. Mark Forman offers non-surgical and surgical treatment options based on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
Burning or Tingling in the Ball of Your Foot?
Persistent forefoot pain or nerve symptoms may be related to a neuroma. Dr. Forman can evaluate what may be causing them and discuss your treatment options.