NEUROMA TREATMENT

Relief for Nerve Pain in the Forefoot

Neuromas are painful nerve conditions that occur in the larger nerve trunks of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes—also known as Morton’s neuroma. Although the term "neuroma" sounds alarming, it typically refers to a benign swelling or thickening of a nerve, caused by chronic irritation or compression.

At her Upper East Side Manhattan office, Dr. Krista Archer offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions for neuromas, helping patients relieve forefoot nerve pain and restore foot comfort.

What Are Neuromas?

A neuroma is a thickened or scarred nerve, caused by repetitive irritation—often as the nerve becomes compressed between the bones of the foot and a thick ligament. Over time, this leads to inflammation, fibrosis (scarring), and chronic pain or numbness.

What Causes Neuromas?

Several factors may contribute to neuroma development:

• Tight, narrow, or pointed shoes that squeeze the forefoot

• High heels, which increase pressure on the ball of the foot

• Flat feet or high arches, both of which create abnormal foot mechanics

• Repetitive physical activities, especially those that involve high-impact or pushing off from the toes (like running, tennis, or dance)

Symptoms of Neuromas

• Sharp, burning, or aching pain in the ball of the foot

• Tingling, numbness, or a pins-and-needles sensation in the toes

• Feeling like there’s a lump or pebble under the foot

• A sensation that the sock is bunched up under the toes

• A clicking or snapping feeling when walking (Mulder’s click)

Diagnosing Neuromas

Dr. Archer may use a combination of:

• Physical examination and symptom history

• Diagnostic ultrasound or MRI imaging to visualize nerve swelling

Neuroma Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Footwear modifications (wider toe boxes, lower heels)

• Custom orthotics to offload pressure from the forefoot

• Padding and metatarsal supports

• Corticosteroid or alcohol sclerosing injections to reduce inflammation or shrink the neuroma

• Anti-inflammatory medications

Surgical Treatment:

When conservative treatments fail to provide relief, Dr. Archer may recommend surgical excision of the neuroma. This outpatient procedure involves removing the thickened nerve segment, which permanently relieves the pain but may result in numbness in the affected toes.

All procedures are performed using Dr. Archer’s refined surgical techniques in her private, accredited Upper East Side surgical suite, ensuring comfort, safety, and attention to both function and appearance.

Why Choose Dr. Krista Archer for Neuroma Care in NYC?

As a board-certified podiatric surgeon with extensive experience in forefoot conditions, Dr. Archer combines precise diagnosis with both conservative and surgical options for neuroma treatment, ensuring you get relief tailored to your lifestyle and foot structure.