Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the affected area. While the exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not fully understood, certain factors, such as wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, can contribute to its development. It’s essential to be able to identify when you’re dealing with Morton’s neuroma so that you can get the treatment you need to ease your pain.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma
To determine if you might be dealing with Morton’s neuroma, it’s essential to know the symptoms. If symptoms are left untreated, they can begin to worsen over time. It can cause a variety of symptoms including:
- Sharp or burning pain in the ball of the foot
- Tingling or numbness
- Feeling a lump in the ball of the foot
- Pain worsening with activity
The exact cause of Morton's neuroma is not entirely clear, but it is believed to result from irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves leading to the toes. Irregularities in the foot's structure can also cause this.
Treatment for Morton's neuroma focuses on relieving pain and reducing pressure on the affected. Wear shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and good arch support can help alleviate pressure on the nerve and prevent further irritation. Custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts can provide additional support and cushioning to the foot, redistributing pressure and relieving pain.
You should reduce or avoid activities that can exacerbate your pain and involve continuous pressure on your feet. Stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, or other manual therapies can also help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
If conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to remove the neuroma or release the nerve. This is usually considered a last resort when other options have failed.
Contact Your Podiatrist Today
Make sure you understand how to deal with Morton’s neuroma. For more information, contact Dr. Anoosh Moadab at All Valley Podiatric Group in Fresno, CA, at (559) 436-1213.