Could You Be Suffering from Morton's Neuroma?

Neuromas are nerves that become enlarged due to excessive compression. On the foot, the most common neuroma we see at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle is Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. It is frequently the result of wearing shoes that are too tight in the toe box or high heels that compress the toes by forcing them into the front of the shoe. Activities that involve repeated pounding of the ball of the foot—running, basketball, court sports—can also cause Morton’s neuroma. People with certain foot deformities, such as bunions, flatfeet, and hammertoes are more likely to develop a neuroma because these conditions result in pressure on the toes. An injury to the foot can also be a cause.

Symptoms

The following symptoms are common for Morton’s neuroma:

• Pain in the foot and the sensation that something is inside the ball of the foot
• Tingling and burning
• Numbness
• A feeling that there’s something inside your shoe or that your sock is bunched up

The symptoms usually begin gradually and may occur only occasionally at first when doing certain activities that aggravate the nerve or wearing tight shoes. The symptoms may be relieved by removing shoes and massaging the foot. Over time, however, the symptoms will get worse and last longer. If left untreated, the neuroma will continue to enlarge and the nerve damage will become permanent.

Treating Morton’s Neuroma

The treatment for Morton’s neuroma will depend on how long you have had the neuroma and how far it has progressed. Obviously, the sooner it is detected and treated, the less invasive the treatment will be and the better the outcome. Surgery may be required if a neuroma has progressed too far. However, there are a number of non-surgical approaches for mild to moderate neuromas, including: modifying activities, changing footwear, padding, and orthotic devices. Icing, oral Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections may be prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. Our podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss will develop a treatment plan based on the results of your examination and your personal lifestyle.

If you have any symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, contact our Clinton or Waldorf office for an appointmentas soon as possible to head off a potentially serious and debilitating nerve condition.