While foot problems can happen to anyone, certain groups of people may be more at risk for developing Morton’s neuroma than others. For example, women are more likely to develop this condition than men. Athletes who perform high-intensity exercise may also be at risk for developing a neuroma in their feet. People who have had a foot injury in the past (for example, bunions) are considered at risk for Morton’s neuroma as well.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Some foot problems have visible external symptoms, but Morton’s neuroma does not. Instead, the feeling of stepping on a pebble is the most common symptom that identifies this condition. Individuals who contract a neuroma may also feel a burning sensation in the ball of their foot or numbness in their toes.
Morton’s neuroma is a condition involving the foot’s nerves, most often occurring between the third and fourth toes. The bones that surround the nerves put pressure on the nerve, causing inflammation and pain. The possible causes for this are:
- Ill-fitting or high-heeled footwear
- Previous foot problems
- Trauma to the area
- High-intensity exercise (like running) with shoes that are too tight
These four reasons are common causes of Morton’s neuroma. If you find that they apply to you, you may be at risk of developing this condition. Sound like you? If you are concerned you may have Morton’s neuroma, please schedule an appointment with your podiatrist for a checkup. Best Foot Doctor in the NYC area treats this condition every day and can perform industry-leading diagnostics to identify your condition. Then, we will work with you to form a treatment plan and help you get back on your feet again.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma Treated?
Some at-home treatments may help reduce the pain and discomfort from Morton’s neuroma. The following five options may be helpful.
- Choose properly-fitting footwear
- Ice the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation
- Modify your regular activities to reduce repetitive stress on the injury
- Wear shoe inserts or pads that alleviate the pain on the neuroma
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) to reduce the pain and swelling
In addition to these options, a podiatrist like Best Foot Doctor may advise the following three therapies to treat your Morton’s neuroma.
- You may wear custom orthotics devices to reduce the injury and improve conditions.
- Your doctor can give cortisone injections at the site of the pain to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Minor surgery can reduce the pressure on the nerve if the previous options are not effective.
If the condition does not respond to the at-home and podiatrist-assisted treatments mentioned above and continues to worsen, you may require surgery to fix it. Morton’s neuroma surgery is effective in almost all severe cases. A podiatrist or foot surgeon may remove some of the offending tissue to reduce the pressure and inflammation the swollen tissue is causing. After surgery, the pain should be gone, and by wearing the correct footwear and caring for your feet, you can prevent Morton’s neuroma from reoccurring.
If you are concerned about your foot health, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Best Foot Doctor in the Queens and Manhattan area. Our experienced staff is ready to assist you in caring for your feet and identifying Morton’s neuroma so we can help you get back to normal again.