A neuroma often appears on the ball of the foot. It is a neural swelling that results from trauma or compression. Often, a neuroma is called a nerve tumor. However, the swelling is technically not a tumor. Instead, the swelling, which develops inside a nerve, can lead to nerve damage.
How Neuromas Occur
Besides the ball of the foot, neuromas are seen by podiatrists in Joliet, IL on the heel as well. A wound, laceration, or puncture can lead to a neuroma. When this type of swelling develops, it is known as a traumatic neuroma. A neuroma may also develop after a surgery.
Diagnosing a Neuroma
When a diagnosis for a neuroma is made by foot doctors, a physical exam is performed as well as a complete review of the patient’s history. Certain conditions can duplicate the pain that is related to neuromas. These conditions may include the following:
- A stress fracture of the metatarsal bone and toe
- Nerve damage that is present further up the foot
Typically, x-rays are taken to rule out arthritis or a stress fracture of the back, hip, or knee. Because an x-ray will not show nerve tissue, a neuroma cannot be seen on the image. Instead, podiatrists can feel the neuroma when examining the patient’s foot. Therefore, imaging such as a CT scan or MRI cannot be used to diagnose a neuroma. Browse website to know more.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
If podiatrists cannot find a neuroma upon examination of a foot, they often suspect nerve compression to be the cause of discomfort. In this case, they will examine the ankle. If the nerve is inflamed below the ankle bone and inside the ankle, the condition is known as tarsal tunnel syndrome. When this condition is diagnosed, the pain from the inflamed nerve is transferred to the toes or the bottom of the foot.
Who to Contact
If you suspect that you may have a neuroma or an inflamed nerve, contact a podiatric office such as Suburban Foot & Ankle Associates in Joliet, IL. Have your foot examined immediately to reduce the development of a more serious condition in the future.
