Having trouble with numbness or foot pain? Morton’s neuroma could be the cause.
Morton’s neuroma may be the cause of your sharp, searing pain in the ball of your foot, particularly between your third and fourth toes, or if you’ve ever felt as though you’re walking on a stone. This common but frequently misdiagnosed illness causes pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling when the nerve between your toes becomes crushed or inflamed.
What Causes a Morton’s Neuroma?
A neuroma is a swelling of nerve tissue that is typically brought on by pressure or inflammation. The nerve in the ball of your foot becomes irritated when you have Morton’s neuroma. Swelling, inflammation, and persistent discomfort may result from this compression over time. This pain may worsen the longer it is not addressed.
Wearing narrow or tight shoes, particularly high heels, which put more pressure on the forefoot and crush the toes, is one common cause. High-impact exercises that put constant strain on the ball of the foot include dancing, court sports, and sprinting do the same.
Additionally, foot abnormalities that might change pressure distribution and exacerbate nerve compression include bunions, high arches, and flat feet. A common finding is a long second toe, also known as Morton’s Toe.
Signs and Symptoms of a Neuroma
- A sharp or burning ache in the ball of your foot
- Numbness or tingling that spreads to your toes
- Sensing that you’re walking on a stone or tiny pebble
- Pain that becomes worse when wearing high-heeled or tight shoes
- Pain that goes away when you remove your shoes
Is a Morton’s Neuroma treatable?
Every day at BioPed Footcare, we assist patients in managing and treating neuromas. There are several non-surgical options that can reduce pressure and enhance your quality of life, so you don’t have to put up with persistent foot pain. These options for treatment Include:
- Footwear Changes: You can lessen the strain on your nerves by wearing supportive shoes with low heels and a larger toe box.
- Custom foot orthoses: These supportive insoles can significantly increase your comfort and movement by relieving pressure in the problematic area.
- Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications can help lower discomfort and swelling.
- Injections of corticosteroids: Advanced levels of treatment and drug therapy to alleviate the inflammation and extreme pain.
At BioPed, our medical footcare team provide one-on-one assessments and create personalized care plans designed just for you. Whether you’re feeling occasional discomfort or dealing with daily pain, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Contact your local BioPed to see how we can help you today!
