Burning, Sharp Ball of Foot Pain | Neuroma Treatment

by Dr. Joel W. Brook
Dr. Joel Brook is a board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Dallas Podiatry Works in TX.
“Hi, I’m Dr. Brook. We’re going to talk to you today a little bit about neuromas. Neuromas are inflammations of nerves, typically occurring in the front part of the foot, or the forefoot. There are several nerves, responsible for providing innervation to the toes. A neuroma typically occurs with the nerve that goes between the third and the fourth metatarsal bone.

In all, treatment of neuromas is a very effective therapy, and we are happy to share those with you.

Neuromas are formed by irritation of the nerves affecting the toes. The nerves run in small, anatomic spaces, so they are easily irritated. Once irritated, scar tissue forms around the nerve, thereby enlarging the nerve and making it more prone to continued and repetitive injury.

Neuromas typically occur spontaneously. There are times when they can occur in response to either direct trauma, or the trauma occurs from repetitive injury to the nerve from running or jumping.

There are several treatment options we have for treating neuromas, which typically respond well to conservative care. The first treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory medications, both oral and injectable. Those can both be very effective. We can also offload the region using orthotics or different types of pads to help take pressure off of the region. Should those measures not be effective, we have another therapy available to us. This involves the use of nerve ablation therapy, with the NeuroTherm machine. This is a simple, in-office procedure providing effective relief in 70-80% of the cases. As a last resort, we can use surgical intervention to help treat neuromas. This is really not done very frequently, but this typically involves removal of the affected nerve.

If there are any issues or questions you have, please feel free to call us. Thank you for being our patient, and we are honored to be part of your health care team!”

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.