A Joplin’s Neuroma or neuritis is a pinching or entrapment of what is called the inside plantar digital nerve. This specific nerve will provide sensation on the medial part and regions of the top and bottom of the big toe or hallux. This unique trapped nerve was first identified b y Joplin in 1971 with 3 cases which happened following bunion surgical procedures. The cause of a Joplin’s Neuroma is most often due to a long-term compression on the big toe or hallux with recurring trauma on the medial nerve. This is usually more likely to happen when using tight fitting shoes, especially if you have an underlying deformity like a bunion of the big toe. It may also occur in some cases following a single occurrence of trauma as opposed to the repeated trauma from shoes. Other cases result from an restriction with the nerve in scarring following bunion surgical procedures.

The common symptoms of a Joplins neuroma can differ from dull ache discomfort and some numbness to an acute shooting or radiating pain that occurs around along the medial side of the big toe. Those symptoms may generally be made worse by the prolonged wearing of tighter footwear. There could also be some numbness or tingling about the region. When you carefully palpate the location of the nerve, it's from time to time easy to feel a lump over the area and the pushing on this lump might cause the symptoms that the person is having. There are a variety different problems which may mimic these types of signs and symptoms as the signs and symptoms of a Joplin’s neuroma may be somewhat hazy. It is very important get the medical diagnosis prior to going forward with treatment. The differential diagnosis includes almost any other disorders that impacts the great toe joint. This can include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis symptoms or gout. The signs and symptoms of those have a tendency to occur more inside the joint rather than shooting pains about the joint. There might be inflammation from a bunion with some bursitis that does not entail the nerve getting squeezed. A sesamoiditis may also be considered, however, this is painful underneath the big toe or hallux joint and doesn't shoot forward. There in addition can be quite a traumatic injury to the hallux joint or even the tissues surrounding the joint.

The first part of the treatment of a Joplins neuroma is to get some alleviation from the pain if it is bad enough. This could include the use of ice as well as NSAID’s to relieve the signs and symptoms. The key part of the treatment methods are the use of wider fitting shoes or alter the shoes to enable a lesser amount of pressure around the great toe joint. This can be complicated if tight fitting shoes needs to be utilized in sports such as football. Podiatry felt protective pads to get force off of the affected area may be very helpful. This adhesive felt pads may be shaped like a ‘U’ or perhaps a donut. This really is necessary so that there is no pressure on the big toe the signs and symptoms are coming from. A shot of corticosteroid is sometimes needed to settle the issue. When none of this helps, then a surgical removal on the impacted nerve may be needed.