Stump neuroma is a painful condition caused by a severed nerve that forms a ball or stump. It can occur after amputations, nerve surgery, or traumatic nerve injury. Treatment options include surgery, nerve blocks, and nerve stimulation.
A stump neuroma is a consequence of a severed nerve that takes the shape of a ball or stump. In some patients, the abnormal nerve growth causes no symptoms, while in others it can be extremely painful. Numerous types of nerve injury can lead to the formation of a stump neuroma, and treatment options are available for patients with this condition. Treatment is typically supervised by specialists such as neurologists and surgeons.
Amputations sometimes cause this condition, as they inevitably force the surgeon to sever some nerves while removing the affected limb. Similarly, other types of nerve surgery, as well as traumatic nerve injury, can lead to a nerve being severed. When severed, nerve growth factor can be generated to encourage the nerve to regrow, but the nerve cells will regrow in a highly disordered fashion, forming a coagulated mass of nerve fibers. These nerve fibers are functional and can start sending pain signals to the brain.
A common location for a stump neuroma is in the foot following surgery to remove an interdigital neuroma, also known as a Morton’s neuroma. This nerve disorder involves swelling and irritation of one of the nerves in the foot, causing the patient to experience severe pain. When the nerve is severed in surgery, it can form a stump neuroma, also known as a recurrent neuroma when it occurs in this situation, as it replaces the original neuroma.
Also called bulbar neuromas, stump neuromas can sometimes lead to excruciating pain for patients. Pressure on the stump neuroma will cause pain, and light or neutral sensations such as the brush of clothing on the site will also cause pain. Also, sometimes nerves fire randomly, sending pain signals when no sensation is felt. Surgery to remove the neuromas is an option, but there is a concern about the neuroma recurring and the risk that the painful growth will simply reappear.
Nerve blocks, using anesthetic to numb the nerve so the patient can’t hear, are another treatment option. A well placed block can last for a long time and will make the patient feel more comfortable. Nerve stimulation using implanted medical devices is another option for managing stump neuroma, relying on confusing nerve signals to block painful sensations. These options won’t fix the neuroma itself, but they will address the pain and discomfort for the patient.
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