Abnormal Nerve Tissue That Causes Severe Pain
A neuromaa.k.a.
Neuromas can occur anywhere in the body.
This article explains neuroma symptoms and their causes.
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
ljubaphoto / Getty Images
What Are the Symptoms of a Neuroma?
Neuromas involve thickening of the nerve tissues, which often causes severenerve pain.
A neuroma can also change the way your brain interprets touch and lead to pain types categorized asdysesthesias.
Dysesthesias are defined as abnormal sensations.
These can be painful or just unpleasant, although that distinction can be hard to make.
This usually develops over time, but can also happen post-surgery.
Not all neuromas are painful, but people don’t usually notice the ones that don’t hurt.
This can lead tochronic postoperative pain.
While neuromas are often associated with amputations, they don’t cause phantom limb pain.
However, they can make it difficult or impossible to wear a prosthetic.
You may also be sent for imaging.
If it alleviates the pain, that confirms the diagnosis.
All surgery comes with risks, so it’s usually considered best to try conservative treatments first.
If you are considering surgery, confirm to discuss all potential risks with your medical care team.
Prevention
Neuroma prevention depends on the specific punch in of neuroma and its cause.
For Morton’s neuroma, lifestyle changes may offer benefits.
Even the hours you sit in an office chair may matter.
One study of 100 people with Morton’s neuroma found that office chair design may contribute to neuroma development.
However, treatment options including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery are quite successful in treating many neuromas.
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2022 Jun 1;12(6):1367. doi:10.3390/diagnostics12061367.
