That sharp, burning pain between your toes that brings tears to your eyes the moment you slip into your shoes — could it actually be a swollen nerve? Neuromas are one of the most common (and most misunderstood) causes of forefoot pain, and the good news is that they are highly treatable when caught early.
Dr. D. Sean Sweeney, DPM, FACFAS, and Dr. Christy Leahey, DPM, FACFAS, have spent over 20 years helping patients across Greater Houston find lasting relief from nerve pain. Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has been voted Best Podiatrist in The Woodlands by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma is a swelling of a nerve caused by compression, irritation, or trauma. While often called a “nerve tumor,” it is not a true tumor — it is a thickening of nerve tissue that, left untreated, can lead to permanent nerve damage.
The most common type is Morton’s neuroma, which forms between the third and fourth toes when the metatarsal bones pinch the nerve as you walk. Neuromas can also develop between the second and third toes, in the heel, or following a puncture wound or surgical injury (traumatic neuromas).
Symptoms to Watch For
- Burning, tingling, or numbness in the toes
- Sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- A clicking or popping sensation when walking
- Pain that eases when you remove your shoe and massage the area
- Pain that worsens with tight shoes or prolonged activity
How a Neuroma Is Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a careful physical exam and a thorough discussion of your symptoms. A skilled foot specialist can often feel the neuroma directly during the exam. X-rays may be taken to rule out stress fractures or arthritis, since nerve tissue does not appear on standard imaging.
Because conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, tendon inflammation, and nerve compression elsewhere in the leg can mimic neuroma symptoms, an experienced podiatrist is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment Options
Most neuromas respond well to conservative care, especially when treated early. Your provider will tailor a plan based on the severity of your symptoms and your activity level.
- Cortisone injections to reduce nerve swelling and relieve pressure
- Custom orthotics to correct abnormal metatarsal movement and offload the nerve
- MLS laser therapy, an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment with an 85–90% efficacy rate for reducing pain and inflammation
- Chemical nerve destruction for stubborn cases
- Neuroma surgery for permanent nerve damage or when conservative care no longer provides relief
Combining cortisone injections with custom orthotics is often highly successful. When nerve damage is more advanced, surgical removal or decompression may be recommended.
Why Choose Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists for Neuroma Treatment in The Woodlands, TX?
For more than two decades, Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists has been the trusted name for nerve pain relief in The Woodlands and Magnolia. Dr. Sweeney and Dr. Leahey blend hands-on diagnostic skill with the most advanced technology available in podiatry, all under one roof for a truly coordinated recovery experience.
Patients choose our practice because we listen first and personalize every plan. From the warm, welcoming environment to prompt appointments for urgent foot pain, our team treats you like family while delivering the clinical excellence that has earned us recognition as The Woodlands’ Best Podiatrist by Living Magazine every year since 2012.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Feet
You don’t have to live with the burning, tingling, or sharp pain of a neuroma. With early diagnosis and the right combination of treatments, most patients return to comfortable walking, running, and everyday life.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sweeney or Dr. Leahey at Sweeney Foot & Ankle Specialists today. Call our office in The Woodlands, TX, at (281) 292-4944 or our office in Magnolia, TX, at (281) 789-4956.