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I have been diagnosed with neuroma or nerve inflammation. What is the treatment?
Doctor's response
A neuroma is growth (benign tumor) that arises in nerve cells. A Morton's neuroma is a swollen, inflamed nerve located between the bones at the ball of the foot (usually either the second or the third spacing from the base of the great toe). Morton's neuroma is caused by compression of the nerve of sensation between the ends of the metatarsal bones at the base of the toes.
Symptoms of a Morton's neuroma can completely resolve with simple treatments, such as resting the foot, better fitting shoes, anti-inflammation medication, and ice packs. More rapid relief of symptoms can follow a local cortisone injection. Symptoms can progressively worsen with time. For those with persistent symptoms, the swollen nerve tissue is removed with a surgical operation.
Thank you for your question.
Medical Author: William Shiel, MD, FACP, FACR
