Do you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot? Does it feel like you are walking with a pebble in your shoe? You may be suffering from Morton’s Neuroma. Keep reading to learn more about this painful and annoying condition.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue surrounding the digital nerve as it passes under the ligament connecting the toe bones in the forefoot. Usually caused by excessive pressure, irritation, or trauma, it frequently develops between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma is 8 to 10 times more likely to occur in women than in men.
Signs and Symptoms
- Numbness or odd feeling in the toes, but no outward lumps or signs.
- Commonly a burning pain in the ball of the foot up to the toes.
- Pain that intensifies with activities such as running.
- Particular footwear such as tight, narrow shoes or high-heeled shoes can compress the toe bones, pinching the nerve.
If experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your podiatrist. Upon exam, they will feel for a mass or “click” between the bones. Your physician may do a range of motion exam and x-ray to rule out conditions like arthritis or stress fractures.
How to Treat Morton’s Neuroma
- Corticosteroid injections can relieve painful swelling and inflammation of the nerve.
- Custom shoe inserts, orthoses, and pads help lift and separate the bones and reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Comfortable, wide footwear with a low heal and soft sole will enable the bones to spread out, relieving the nerve and giving it time to heal.
- In severe cases, surgery may be needed if symptoms persist.
While Morton’s neuroma can be a painful condition, it is successfully treated non-surgically in over 80% of those affected. Simply making changes to your footwear, using orthoses, and a regime of injections can get your foot back to normal.
If you are experiencing foot pain, have it checked out to prevent serious or long term injury. The Foot Specialists of Birmingham are here to help keep you on your feet, pain-free. Contact us today for an appointment.