Mortons Neuroma

If you sometimes feel that you are “walking on a marble,” and you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot, you may have a condition called Morton’s neuroma.

So what is Mortons Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma occurs as the nerve passes under the ligament connecting the toe bones (metatarsals) in the forefoot.

Morton’s neuroma most frequently develops between the third and fourth toes, usually in response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure.

A neuroma is sometimes referred to as a pinched nerve in the foot. If you experience any of the following symptoms at home, we recommend that you schedule an exam as soon as possible. Neuromas do not go away on their own, and their symptoms can worsen over time.

Common symptoms of a neuroma are:

• Pain in your forefoot
• A sharp, burning sensation
• Pain between your toes
• Swelling between your toes
• Tingling or numbness in the ball of your foot
• Pain when you put weight on the ball of your foot

The incidence of Morton’s neuroma is 8 to 10 times greater in women than in men.

Diagnosis

During the examination, your physician will feel for a palpable mass or a “click” between the bones. He or she will put pressure on the spaces between the toe bones to try to replicate the pain and look for calluses or evidence of stress fractures in the bones that might be the cause of the pain. Range of motion tests will rule out arthritis or joint inflammations. X-rays may be required to rule out a stress fracture or arthritis of the joints that join the toes to the foot.

Treatment

Initial therapies are nonsurgical and relatively simple. They can involve one or more of the following treatments:

• Changes in footwear. Avoid high heels or tight shoes, and wear wider shoes with lower heels and a soft sole. This enables the bones to spread out and may reduce pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal.
• Custom shoe inserts and pads also help relieve irritation by lifting and separating the bones, reducing the pressure on the nerve.
• One or more injections of a corticosteroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerve, bringing some relief.

For more information visit our website flagstafffootandankle.com or call us at 928-774-4825 and book your appointment today