Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes and Treatments
Jun 09 , 2021
Tags - Symptoms, Causes and Treatments of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition that occurs on the ball of your foot between your third and fourth toes from nerve damage.
Essentially, the nerve in your foot becomes thickened, which leads to compression and irritation, the nerve becomes larger and eventually leads to permanent nerve damage.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Typically, Morton’s Neuroma occurs when people wear shoes that have a tapered toe box or high heels which causes the toes to be forced into the tox box.
Consequently, physical activities that require repetitive foot movements, such as court sports can result in this condition.
In addition, people with existing foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoe or flat feet are at higher risk of developing Morton’s Neuroma.
Lastly, previous injury or trauma to the foot can also lead to thickening nerves, thus resulting in Morton’s Neuroma.
Overall, this condition seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to the nerves that lead to your toes.
What Are The Symptoms?
In the beginning stages of Morton’s Neuroma developing, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Tingling, burning or numbness
- Severe pain
- A feeling that something’s inside the ball of the foot
- A feeling that something, like a stone, is inside your shoe
What Treatments Are Available?
For mild cases, Morton’s Neuroma can be treated at home without the need for surgery.
Treatment options include:
- Padding; this provides extra support for your toes and lessens the pressure on the nerve
- Ice; placing ice on the affected area can help with swelling
- Orthotics; custom made devices can help support your foot to reduace compression on the nerve
- Shoes; go for shoes with a wide toe box and avoid high heels
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; such as ibuprofen can reduce pain and inflammation
- Avoid physical activities until the condition improves
In the event that the above doesn’t work, seek medical advice from your doctor, who may need to advise surgery in severe cases.
The Takeaway
For some, a change in shoes or inserts can offer immediate relief, whereas others require medication or even surgery.
Therefore, to prevent Morton’s Neuroma from occuring, ensure shoes are well fitted, low-heeled and have a wide toe box.
Get in touch to find out more.
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