Plantar Neuroma
A
plantar neuroma is a thickened and inflamed nerve in the webspace
between two toes. It is usually between the 2nd and 3rd toes, or
between the 3rd and 4th toes.
Plantar neuroma occurs more often
in people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Pain with
plantar neuroma is located in the ball of the foot, especially with
weight bearing. The pain is made worse by tight fitting shoes.
TREATMENT
Plantar
neuroma can be treated with use of a pad in the shoe to reduce pressure
on the ball of the foot. Injection of cortisone around the nerve
also can be effective.
If conservative measures do not relieve
symptoms adequately, surgery can be done to remove the abnormal nerve
segment. This is done through a small incision under local
anesthesia, as an outpatient.