Description

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toe. Morton's neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a stone in the shoe or on a fold in your sock.

Morton's neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. This can cause a strong burning pain in the ball of your foot. You may have itching, burning, or numbness in the affected toes.

High-heeled or tight shoes, have been linked to the development of Morton's neuroma. Many people experience relief by switching to the low-heeled shoes with wide toe boxes. Sometimes corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary.

Symptoms

Normally, there is no outward sign of this condition, such as a lump. In its place, you may experience the following symptoms:

  • A feeling as if you're standing on a stone in his shoe
  • A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into the toes of the feet
  • Tingling or numbness in the fingers of the feet

In addition to these symptoms, you may find that the removal of her shoes and rubbing her feet, it often helps to relieve the pain.

When to see a doctor

It is best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts more than a few days. Consult your doctor if you experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot does not improve, despite changing your footwear and modification of activities that can cause stress on your foot.

Causes

Morton's neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves leading to the toes.

Risk factors

The factors that appear to contribute to Morton's neuroma include:

  • High-heeled shoes. Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill-fitting may put more pressure on the toes and the ball of your foot.
  • In certain sports. Participate in high-impact sports activities such as jogging or running may be subject to their feet to repetitive trauma. The sports that have tight shoes, such as snow skiing or rock climbing, can put pressure on the toes of the feet.
  • Foot deformities. People who have bunions, hammer toes, high arches or flat feet are at a higher risk of developing Morton's neuroma.

Diagnosis

During the exam, your doctor will press on your foot to feel for a mass or tender spot. It can also be a feeling of "click" between the bones of your foot.

Imaging tests

Some imaging tests are more useful than others in the diagnosis of Morton's neuroma:

  • The x-rays. Your doctor is likely to order X-rays of your foot to rule out other causes of pain such as a stress fracture.
  • Ultrasound. This technology uses sound waves to create real-time images of the internal structures. Ultrasound is particularly good at revealing soft tissue, such as neuromas.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The use of radio waves and a strong magnetic field, a magnetic resonance imaging is also good for the visualization of soft tissues. But it is an expensive test and is often an indication that the neuromas in people who do not have symptoms.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend trying conservative approaches first.

Therapy

Wear shoes with a suitable place across the ball of the feet and the head. Arch supports and foot pads, such as metatarsal pads fit inside your shoe and help reduce pressure on the nerve. These can be purchased over the counter, or your doctor may prescribe a custom-made, individually designed shoe insert — molded to fit the exact contours of your foot.

Surgical and other procedures

If conservative treatments have not helped, your doctor may suggest:

  • Injections. Some people are helped by the injection of steroids into the painful area.
  • Decompression surgery. In some cases, surgeons can relieve the pressure on the nerve by cutting nearby structures, such as the ligament that joins some of the bones in the front part of the foot.
  • The removal of the nerve. The surgical removal of the growth may be necessary if other treatments fail to provide pain relief. Although surgery is usually successful, the procedure can result in permanent numbness in the affected toes.

Lifestyle and home remedies

To help relieve the pain associated with Morton's neuroma and allow the nerve to heal, consider the following self-care tips:

  • Taking anti-inflammatory drugs. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), can reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain.
  • Try ice massage. Regular ice massage can help reduce the pain. Freeze a water-filled paper cup or plastic foam cup and roll the ice over the painful site.
  • Change your footwear. Avoid high heels or tight shoes. Choose shoes with a wide toe box and more in-depth.
  • Take a break. For a couple of weeks, reduce activities such as running, aerobics or dance that holds the feet from high-impact.

Preparing for your appointment

You might first seek the advice of your family doctor about your foot pain. He or she may refer you to a doctor or surgeon who specializes in disorders of the foot. Before your appointment, you can write a list of answers to the following questions:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • Did your symptoms begin gradually or suddenly?
  • What type of footwear you use for the job?
  • Do you participate in sports? If so, what types in particular?
  • What medications and supplements that you take regularly?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

  • Is the pain worse in certain pairs of shoes?
  • Do any type of activity ease the pain or worsen it?
  • Do you have pain in any other part of your body?
Symptoms and treatment of Morton's neuroma