What is a Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is often called an inter-digital neuroma because it is found between the toes of the foot, most commonly the 3rd and 4th toes.
It is a result of an entrapped nerve which becomes inflamed due to constant irritation from the surrounding bony structures. If this trauma persists, soft tissue growth will result around the nerve. These growths can trap the nerve, causing pressure and pain. If left untreated, they may cause permanent nerve damage
Symptoms:
- Burning pain in the ball of your foot that shoots into the toes
- Tingling or numbness at the base of the 2nd-3rd or 3rd-4th toes
- Feeling of having a “pebble in your shoe” or “walking on razor blades”
- Pain that improves with removing your shoes, flexing your toes, and with a foot massage
- Pain with standing or walking
What causes Morton’s neuromas?
Morton’s neuromas develop in response to repetitive overload on the foot.
Causes for Morton’s neuroma:
- High-heeled, narrow shoes
- Foot deformities – people with bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, feet roll in or overly flexible feet are at increased risk for neuroma growth.
- Certain sports – high impact activity (running, court sports) subjects your feet to repetitive trauma. Sports that require tight shoes (snow skiing) put pressure on the foot.
- Excessive weight – being overweight increases foot strain.
Will a Morton’s neuroma go away?
Once it has formed, a Morton’s neuroma will not go away. However, the pain can improve, or even disappear. The earlier you receive treatment, the better your chance of having the pain resolve.
How do you treat Morton’s neuroma?
For mild to moderate pain, Morton’s neuroma treatment starts with conservative measures. More than 80% of people with a Morton’s neuroma will improve with a conservative approach.
Orthotics: The Podiatry Experts can prescribe a custom-made orthotic to align the foot correctly, providing comfort and stability and reducing pressure on neuroma.
Foot Mobilisation: Mobilising the feet consists of moving specific joints and structures in a specific manner toward an improved functional alignment.
Correct Footwear: At The Podiatry Experts, we can advise you on the best footwear for everyday use to help reduce pressure on neuroma. It is important that footwear can not only support your foot with every stride but provide comfort in everything you do.
- Icing – helps reduce swelling in the foot.
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Stretching to loosen tendons and ligaments
- Corticosteroid injections
- Activity modification – repetitive foot pressure due to sports (running, racquetball, and mountain climbing) should be avoided until the neuroma pain improves.
What you should do next?
If you are experiencing rolling ankles, then it is highly recommended to book a biomechanical appointment straight away. It is easy to book with us - fill out our online form and we schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
We will discuss with you the best possible solutions for your rolling feet to fix your foot’s positioning straight away – it is important to remember not to delay in sorting the foot problem out soon as it will worsen and cause more pain. Make sure to schedule an appointment with us today.
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