Are you experiencing pain on the ball of your foot, specifically around your third and fourth toes? Do you constantly feel like you have a pebble stuck in your shoe? You might be one of over 200,000 people diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma this year. So, what is it exactly? Morton’s neuroma is a nerve disorder, occurs when the tissue around the nerves leading into your toes thickens and leads to pain.
Symptoms
Unlike other nerve disorders, the signs are fairly easy to detect. You might have Morton’s neuroma if you’re experiencing…
- Tingling or numbness in your toes
- Burning pain in your toes or the ball of your foot
- Feeling as though you’re standing on a pebble
Causes
Since Morton’s neuroma occurs in an isolated spot, the cause of this condition is usually due to injury or strain to this specific nerve. Below are some of the typical causes:
- Wearing heeled shoes
- Wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes
- High-impact sports, like running or basketball
- Sports that require tight-fitting shoes, like skiing or rock climbing
- Bunions
- Hammertoes
- High arches
- Flat Feet
Treatment and Prevention
When it comes to neuroma, treatment, and prevention options overlap. Just because you’ve managed to treat your neuroma and the pain has subsided doesn’t mean it won’t come back with a vengeance. Treating your condition properly and taking steps to prevent it is crucial. Here are some of the treatment options your podiatrist might recommend:
- Well-fitting shoes with a low heel
- Arch supports and foot pads
- Injection therapy
- Over-the-counter medication
- Icing your foot
- Foot massages
- Discontinuing high-impact activities if pain persists
- Resting your foot
- Decompression surgery
- Removing the nerve
If you’re experiencing any pain or discomfort in your feet and suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, it’s important to call your podiatrist and schedule an appointment for a check-up. Starting treatment for nerve damage as soon as possible can help prevent your condition from becoming more painful and more serious.
Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Donal M. Erickson, Dr. Keith Sherman, Dr. Anne-Louise Smith, Dr. Justin Muser, and the rest of the staff at Syracuse Podiatry in East Syracuse, New York, can help treat and care for your feet. Call us at 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online to get help today.