Question: My husband was diagnosed with a neuroma on his foot and the doctor recommended surgery. That’s not an option since we have no insurance, and he would have to be off of his feet for two weeks. Orthotics don’t help much and he’s in intense pain. Is there any medication that would relieve his pain?


Dr. Hibberd's Answer: A neuroma is a usually non-malignant thickening or tumor of nerve tissue. Neuromas of the feet usually occur in response to trauma, irritation, or tissue damage, although a genetic disorder such as neurofibromatosis is occasionally responsible.

Correction is usually by surgery, but there are other choices. Correct orthotics may permit spontaneous regression. Neuromas may also be injected or destroyed by chemicals or even lasers in selected cases. Sometimes a local corticosteroid injection helps with discomfort and occasionally with regression.

Some neuromas are painless and are well-suited for observation for regression, or simple local injection therapy. Often neuromas will regress spontaneously once the injury or tissue irritation that caused it has been corrected, but regression, if it occurs, may take many months or even years. Peripheral neuromas can cause too much discomfort for most of us to be content with a waiting game to see if they will regress!