About the condition
What is Morton's Neuroma? Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot.
Symptoms
• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot,extending into the toes.
• Tingling or numbness in your toes.
• Feeling like there is a pebble in your shoe.
• Altered sensation.
Causes
• Wearing high-heeled or tight shoes.
• Activities that put repetitive pressure on the foot, such as running, football, dance or cycling.
• Foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet.
• Foot biomechanics
• Gait patterns.
Diagnosis A podiatrist will diagnose Morton's neuroma based on your medical history and a physical examination of your foot. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
• Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
• Symptom management: Apply ice, using analgesics and/or ibuprofen, massage, can help manage short term symptoms
• Footwear: Wear shoes with a wide toe box and forefoot cushion.
• Orthotics: Use custom orthotic devices to support your feet and reduce pressure on the nerve.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections often used to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the thickened tissue or release the nerve.
Prevention
• Wear supportive footwear with a wide toe box.
• Avoid high-heeled shoes.
• Take breaks and rest your feet during activities that put pressure on them.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
