Denton County Living Well Magazine September/October 2016 | Page 19

Are You Suffering From A Neuroma ?

By Reza Mobarak , DPM , FAFAS

Are 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 !
DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2016
17