All About Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in your feet. If you have Morton’s neuroma, you may feel a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. You may also feel like you have a pebble in your shoe or that your sock is bunched up. These symptoms usually occur when you wear tight shoes or high heels. Morton’s neuroma can occur in one or both feet.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is caused by the compression of a nerve in your foot. This compression usually occurs when the nerve is pinched between the bones in your foot. The bones in your foot are connected by ligaments and muscles. When these muscles and ligaments become tight, they can pinch the nerves in your foot. This pinching can cause inflammation and irritation of the nerve. Over time, this irritation can cause the formation of Morton’s neuroma.
Who Is at Risk for Morton’s Neuroma?
There are several factors that may increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
These risk factors include:
• Wearing tight shoes or high heels:
This type of footwear puts pressure on the toes and can pinch the nerves in your feet.
• Having bunions or hammertoes:
These conditions often cause crowding of the toes, which can lead to nerve compression.
• Having flat feet or high arches:
These conditions can also lead to nerve compression.
What Are the Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma?
The most common symptom of Morton’s neuroma is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. You may feel like you have a pebble in your shoe or that your sock is bunched up. The pain may get worse when you walk, run, or stand for long periods of time. You may also feel pain when you wear tight shoes or high heels.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosed?
Your podiatrist will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They will also examine your feet. They may press on different areas of your foot to see if there is tenderness or numbness. Your doctor may also order an MRI or CT scan to get a better look at the affected area.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Treated?
Treatment for Morton’s neuroma usually starts with conservative measures, such as wearing wider shoes with low heels and using pads or other devices to relieve pressure on the affected area. Your podiatrist may also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, to help reduce swelling and pain. If these measures do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend injections of corticosteroids or other agents to help reduce inflammation around the nerve. Surgery may sometimes be necessary to remove the damaged nerve tissue and relieve pain.
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in your feet and can cause sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. It is important to be aware of the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma so that you can seek treatment early if you think you might have this condition. At Premier Foot and Ankle Center, we can help you find relief from Morton’s neuroma pain. Contact us today to make an appointment with one of our podiatrists.
