Collin County Living Well Magazine November/December 2016 | Page 29

Are You Suffering
From A Neuroma?
By Reza Mobarak, DPM, FACFAS

A

re you complaining of pain in the balls of your
feet? Do you have shooting pains, burning,
numbness, or all of the above? Well, if you do,
you might be suffering from a neuroma.

A neuroma can start with minimal pain under the foot. If
it’s caught early, the symptoms can be treated with change
of daily activity and shoe gear. But, if left untreated, it can
lead to surgery, in which the neuroma must be excised.
Neuromas most often form in the nerve running in between
the third and fourth digits. This is referred to as a Morton’s neuroma, which results from pressure or trauma to
the nerves. Trauma can be of any kind, including repetitive standing or walking.
Other causes could be the structure of the foot, which
would be flat feet, bunions, or hammertoes. Neuromas
could also develop due to tight, narrow shoes or from
continued pressure, from frequently walking barefoot on
hard floors, as well as continuous and consistent pressure from various sports. For example: running.
The nerve that is mostly affected between toes is a
sensory nerve. It frequently becomes inflamed from
being pinched between the toes. The signs and
symptoms most frequently are burning pain at the
site of the inflammation and pain that radiates to the
distal toes. There are different clinical tests that are
performed in the office to diagnose whether a neuroma
is present or not. To definitively diagnose this issue, either
an ultrasound or a MRI is ordered. Once it’s determined
a neuroma is present, the least invasive treatment should
be performed. This would include: changing footwear to a
wider toe box and no heels. Other conservative treatments
would include: custom orthotics, anti inflammatories, cortisone injections, physical therapy, and stem cell therapy.
Most of the treatments are effective approximately 75%

of the time. If all conservative treatments fail, then surgery
would be discussed with the patient.
If surgery is preformed, a one-inch incision is made to
the top of the foot. The neuroma is then removed and
two to three sutures are used to close the incision site.
Most patients are back in regular shoe gear within two
to three weeks.

Neuroma

This surgery has a high rate of success if the patient is
compliant. Almost every patient is able to return to their
previous activities and exercise regimen.
If you believe you are suffering from a neuroma, call Southwest Foot & Ankle Center and schedule an appointment so
we can get you back on your feet.

Reza Mobarak, DPM, FACFAS is Board Certified in Foot & Ankle Surgery and is the owner of Southwest Foot and Ankle
Center. SWFA has three convenient locations in Plano, Lewisville, and Irving and we are here to help you five days a
week! So why wait? Call us today at 972-316-0902. For further information visit www.swfacenter.com. You can also
find additional information on our affiliated company DFW Wound Care Center at www.dfwwoundcarecenter.com.
We look forward to helping you care for your feet!

COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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