Neuromas
Neuroma Treatment in Portsmouth & Nashua, NH
If it feels like you’re walking on a pebble or experiencing burning pain between your toes, you may have a Morton’s neuroma. We offer personalized treatment options to relieve pain and restore mobility.
What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a thickening of tissue surrounding a nerve in the foot. The most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which develops between the third and fourth toes.
Although it’s sometimes described as a “nerve tumor,” a neuroma is not cancerous. Instead, it develops after repeated irritation or compression causes the nerve to enlarge.
Many patients describe the sensation as:
- Walking on a marble or pebble
- A sock bunched beneath the foot
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling between the toes
- Numbness in the toes
- Sharp, shooting pain when walking
- Pain that worsens in tight shoes
What Causes Neuromas?
Neuromas develop when repeated pressure irritates the nerve over time.
Common causes include:
- Tight or narrow shoes
- High heels
- Repetitive impact from running or sports
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- Abnormal foot mechanics
Because the nerve continues to become irritated with every step, symptoms often worsen if left untreated.
Neuroma Symptoms
Neuroma pain is unique and often easy to recognize.
Symptoms may include:
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- Feeling like you’re stepping on a rock
- Pain that improves after removing your shoes
- Sharp pain while walking
- Discomfort that worsens with activity
Many patients notice their symptoms become worse in dress shoes, work boots, ski boots, or athletic footwear with a narrow toe box.
How Are Neuromas Diagnosed?
Our podiatrists begin with a comprehensive foot examination and discuss your symptoms, footwear, activity level, and medical history.
Depending on your condition, we may recommend:
- Physical examination
- Digital X-rays
- Diagnostic ultrasound
- MRI (when necessary)
Proper diagnosis is important because other conditions—including stress fractures, arthritis, and bursitis—can cause similar symptoms.
Featured Treatment Options for Neuromas
Neuroma treatment depends on the cause, severity, activity level, and lifestyle of each patient.
Custom Orthotics & Arch Support
Relieve pressure on the irritated nerve by improving foot mechanics and redistributing weight across the ball of the foot.
MLS Laser Therapy
Non-invasive laser therapy helps reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support the body’s natural healing process.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing response and may help neuromas without surgery.
Corticosteroid Injections
Reduce inflammation around the nerve to help relieve pain, burning, and numbness when conservative care alone isn’t enough.
Surgery
For persistent neuroma pain that doesn’t respond to conservative care, we may recommend surgery to provide long-term relief.
Your Personalized Neuroma Treatment Plan
Every neuroma is different, which is why treatment begins with a thorough evaluation. Our goal is to relieve pressure on the affected nerve, reduce inflammation, and help you return to walking comfortably—without surgery whenever possible.
Depending on your symptoms and the severity of your condition, your treatment plan may also include:
- Wearing shoes with a wider toe box to reduce pressure
- Padding or metatarsal pads to offload the nerve
- Activity modifications to reduce repetitive stress
- Stretching and strengthening exercises
- Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory recommendations
- Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays or ultrasound when appropriate
- Ongoing monitoring to ensure your symptoms continue to improve
Most patients experience significant relief with conservative treatment, and surgery is only recommended when non-surgical options have not provided lasting improvement.
Don't Let Neuroma Pain Slow You Down
Burning pain, numbness, or the feeling of walking on a pebble can make every step uncomfortable. The good news is that most neuromas can be treated successfully with conservative care.
Our team will identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to walking comfortably.
FAQs: Neuromas
What is a neuroma?
What are the treatments for a neuroma?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and may include changes in footwear, custom orthotics, injections, MLS Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, and other conservative options. Surgery may be recommended when symptoms continue despite nonsurgical treatment.
What causes a neuroma?
Can a neuroma go away without treatment?
How is a neuroma treated?
When should I see a podiatrist for neuroma pain?
Don't Let Neuroma Pain Slow You Down
Burning pain, numbness, or the feeling of walking on a pebble can make every step uncomfortable. The good news is that most neuromas can be treated successfully with conservative care.
Our team will identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to help you get back to walking comfortably.
Pay Your Bill
Make a payment online through our payment portal or Care Credit!
Portsmouth Office
14 Manchester Square, Suite 250
Portsmouth, NH 03801
Nashua Office
17 Riverside Street, Suite 205
Nashua, NH 03062
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