Mortons Neuroma

What is a Mortons Neuroma?

Mortons neuroma affects the ball of your feet. It is a painful foot condition. The area between your third and fourth toes is affected. It feels like you are standing on a pebble. The condition involves a thickening of tissue around nerves. Because the nerves are affected, you will feel sharp, burning pain. Your toes may also sting or feel numb.

Mortons Neuroma Symptoms

There are usually not any obvious symptoms, like lumps. The sensation of a lump, however, is present. Additionally, you may also experience the following:

• Burning foot pain in the ball of your foot
• Tingling or numbness in toes

If pain lasts longer than a few days, do not ignore the pain. A burning pain that does not go away needs attention. Try changing your footwear and activity first. Relieving stress may help, but if not, go to a doctor.

Causes of the Condition

Pressure or injury to a nerve causes the painful sensation. Mortons neuroma occurs in response to irritation. Additionally, there are certain risk factors to be aware of.

• High heels: Tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes can put pressure on your toes. These shoes are narrow at the toe box which increases pressure.
• Certain sports: High-impact athletic activity causes pressure. Running and repetitive trauma increases the risk of nerve pain. Sports with tight shoes like rock-climbing are also a possible cause.

Treatment Options for Mortons Neuroma

Wearing high heeled shoes has been linked to mortons neuroma. However, switching to lower heel shoes can reduce the pain. Corticosteroid injections can be used to target the nerve to reduce pain. Surgery is also an option depending on severity. There are more conservative options your doctor will recommend first.

Therapy involves arch supports and foot pads. These reduce pressure on the toes and nerve. You can get these over-the-counter or through your doctor. custom-made orthotics can be made to fit the exact condition of your foot.

If this does not work, injections will be provided. Surgery is the last resort and will involve one of two procedures. Only when other treatment do not work, will the doctor try these.

Surgical Options:

Decompression Surgery: Cutting nearby structures can relieve pressure. Ligaments that connect bones in your feet are one option.

Nerve removal: Removal of the growth will provide pain relief. This is usually successful, but can result in permanent numbness.

For a preferred foot specialist call 954-906-9272 . A Top South Florida Foot Doctor located in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs & Plantation.