Pain in ball of foot - Maybe you have a neuroma
Patients who have a neuroma usually describe pain between the 2nd and 3rd toes, or 3rd and 4th toes. Pain usually starts at the base of the toes or in the web space and continues out toward the end of the toes. Most of the time pain is most pronounced during walking or activity, and is described as a sensation which alternates between aching, burning and numbness. Some patients feel the need to remove their shoes and rub the involved area for relief.
A neuroma is a tumor which is usually benign and is most often found between the 3rd and 4th toes often called a Mortons Neuroma. However, a neuroma can occur in any interspace. Treatment is usually in the form of one or a series of cortisone injections, orthotic devices or surgery. Cortisone injections usually produce temporary relief. However, orthotics can actually balance the foot and accommodate the neuroma so that the sympotms disappear because of a special padding technique.
Should conservative treatment fail, a surgical procedure to remove the neuroma can be performed in an outpatient setting. This procedure does not require general anesthesia and the patient can walk the same day. Foot surgery of this type is usually covered by insurance companies.
