Neuroma Treatment in Houston
Neuromas, often described as pinched nerves, are painful nerve conditions that usually develop in the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. At Foot Specialists of Memorial, our podiatrists offer comprehensive neuroma treatment to relieve burning pain and numbness and restore comfortable, pain-free walking.
request an appointmentWhat Is Morton’s Neuroma?
The most common type of foot neuroma, Morton’s neuroma, occurs when the tissue around a nerve between the toes becomes irritated, compressed, and thickened. This produces sharp, burning pain, tingling, numbness, or the unmistakable sensation of walking on a pebble or a bunched-up sock. Symptoms often worsen with activity, tight shoes, or prolonged standing and ease when you remove your shoes and rub your foot.
Causes and Risk Factors
- High heels and narrow shoes that squeeze the toes
- High-impact activities such as running and court sports
- Foot deformities, including bunions, hammertoes, high arches, and flat feet
- Repetitive stress to the ball of the foot
Diagnosing a Neuroma
Our podiatrists diagnose neuromas with a careful exam, pressing between the toes to reproduce symptoms and checking for a characteristic click. Digital X-rays help rule out stress fractures and arthritis, and additional imaging may be used when needed.
Neuroma Treatment Options
Early diagnosis matters, because untreated neuromas can lead to lasting nerve damage and chronic pain. Most patients improve with conservative care, including wider shoes with a low heel, metatarsal pads, custom orthotics that relieve pressure on the nerve, anti-inflammatory care, and corticosteroid injections to calm irritation. Some patients also benefit from EPAT shock wave therapy for related soft tissue pain. When conservative treatment does not provide relief, our surgically trained podiatrists may recommend a procedure to release or remove the affected nerve. Learn about other conditions we treat on our conditions treated page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Neuromas
What does a neuroma feel like?
A neuroma often causes burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of the foot and the feeling of a pebble in your shoe.
Where do neuromas usually occur?
Morton’s neuroma most commonly develops between the third and fourth toes.
What causes Morton’s neuroma?
Tight or high-heeled shoes, high-impact activities, and foot deformities that compress the nerve are common causes.
Can a neuroma go away on its own?
Symptoms may ease with footwear changes, but the thickened nerve usually needs treatment to fully resolve.
How is a neuroma treated without surgery?
Wider shoes, metatarsal pads, custom orthotics, anti-inflammatory care, and injections relieve symptoms for most patients.
When is neuroma surgery needed?
Surgery is considered when conservative care does not provide adequate relief.
Can custom orthotics help a neuroma?
Yes. Custom orthotics can spread pressure away from the irritated nerve and improve foot mechanics.
Get Relief from Neuroma Pain in Houston
Do not let nerve pain keep you off your feet. Call our Gessner office at (713) 464-3775 or our Greenhouse office at (281) 371-3338, or request an appointment online.