A neuroma is a painful condition often referred to as a pinched nerve or a nerve tumor, though it is actually a benign thickening of the nerve tissue. This most commonly occurs in the ball of the foot, specifically between the third and fourth toes, a condition known as Morton’s neuroma. Patients in Bend, OR, often describe the sensation as standing on a pebble or a folded sock. At Bend Foot and Ankle, Dr. Brent Wendel, DPM, evaluates the structural and mechanical causes of this nerve irritation to provide relief from the burning, tingling, and numbness that characterize the disorder.
Symptoms and Physical Warning Signs
The progression of a neuroma typically involves intermittent discomfort that gradually becomes more frequent and severe. Because the condition involves nerve compression, symptoms often flare up when wearing tight or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the metatarsal bones together. You might experience a sharp or shooting pain that radiates into the toes, or a persistent dull ache in the forefoot. During a physical examination, Dr. Wendel may feel for a palpable click between the toe bones or apply pressure to reproduce the symptoms, ensuring an accurate diagnosis before moving forward with a recovery plan.
Conservative Management and Footwear Adjustments
The first step in managing a neuroma involves reducing the physical pressure on the affected nerve. For many residents in Bend, OR, this begins with footwear modifications. Dr. Wendel recommends shoes with a wide toe box to allow the foot to spread naturally, preventing the bones from pinching the nerve. Orthotic inserts or metatarsal pads are also highly effective, as they lift and separate the metatarsal heads to create more space for the nerve to function without interference. These non-invasive measures often provide significant relief for early-stage nerve thickening.
Advanced Treatment Options
If lifestyle changes and padding do not sufficiently ease the pain, Dr. Wendel provides more advanced clinical interventions. Corticosteroid injections can reduce the inflammation surrounding the nerve, providing a window of comfort and decreased swelling. In some cases, alcohol sclerosing injections are used to desensitize the nerve over time. If the neuroma is resistant to conservative care, surgical options may be discussed to remove the enlarged portion of the nerve or release the tight ligaments causing the compression. The goal is always to return the patient to their active lifestyle in Central Oregon with minimal downtime.
Get Expert Podiatric Care in Bend, OR
At Bend Foot and Ankle, we’re proud to provide clear diagnostic insights and effective long-term solutions for foot and ankle health. Dr. Brent Wendel, DPM, is dedicated to helping the Bend community overcome the limitations of a neuroma through expert care. If you suspect you have a neuroma or if anything else about your feet or ankles is bothering you, schedule an appointment by calling us at (541) 246-3577.