Neuromas Specialist
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Neil H Hecht, DPM
Podiatrist & Foot and Ankle Surgeon located in Tarzana, CA
Neuromas can make you feel as if you’re walking on a rock — but the problem is actually inside your foot. Board-certified podiatrist Neil H Hecht, DPM, skillfully identifies and treats neuromas so you can walk without hurting. Call the Tarzana, California, office or use the online appointment scheduling tool to arrange your visit with Dr. Hecht now. Same-day appointments are available, too.
Neuromas Q & A
What is a neuroma?
A neuroma is a nerve tissue growth that usually develops between your third and fourth toes. Neuromas are often quite painful, making it difficult to put pressure on the ball of your foot. Many sufferers describe neuromas as feeling like a rock stuck in their shoe.
Sometimes, neuromas can also cause other symptoms of nerve damage, including burning, tingling, and numbness.
How do neuromas happen?
Why neuromas develop is uncertain, but research shows that certain factors often play a role, including:
- Biomechanical foot deformities that cause toe joint instability
- Nerve trauma
- Shoes that impose excessive pressure on your forefoot, such as high heels
- Repetitive foot stress, such as sports where you're often on the balls of your feet
Dr. Hecht diagnoses your neuroma with a foot exam, and he may also use digital X-rays or other imaging to look for underlying causes of your neuroma. By finding the neuroma's origin, Dr. Hecht can create the best treatment and neuroma prevention plan for you.
How do you treat neuromas?
Dr. Hecht prescribes conservative care for most neuromas. Your initial treatment focuses on pain relief and improved function. Common treatments include:
- Footwear changes
- Custom orthotics
- Padding
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
If the initial treatments don't work and your neuroma grows larger, Dr. Hecht may recommend a surgical procedure. In neuroma surgery, Dr. Hecht administers anesthesia and then removes the enlarged nerve that's causing your symptoms.
Another surgical alternative may be nerve decompression, which involves cutting a nearby ligament to ease the pressure on the nerve. These procedures are normally outpatient surgeries, but they generally require a couple of weeks of recovery time.
Can I prevent future neuromas?
There are a few ways you can reduce your risk of neuromas, including avoiding heels more than 2 inches high, choosing shoes with good forefoot padding, and wearing shoes with a tight toe box. Dr. Hecht can give you additional tips based on your habits and lifestyle.
If you’re limping or hopping with pain every time you tread on the ball of your foot, a neuroma is the likely reason. Schedule an appointment at Neil H Hecht, DPM, or call the office directly to book your assessment and treatment now.
