Suffering From Burning or Numb Toes? We Can Help!
If you've ever felt a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot that radiates towards your toes, you may have a Morton’s neuroma. This is a common foot condition, that can cause significant discomfort in your feet.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is the inflammation and thickening of the nerves that affect the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. This thickened nerve can become compressed, causing intense pain and discomfort. While not a tumour, as the term "neuroma" suggests, it's an irritation of the nerve that causes inflammation, swelling and thickening.
What Causes a Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma often develops due to irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves in your foot. Several factors may contribute to this condition, including:
Improper Footwear: Tight shoes, especially high heels, place undue pressure on the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of nerve compression.
Foot Abnormalities: People with flat feet, high arches, or bunions may be more prone to developing Morton’s neuroma due to the imbalanced pressure on the foot.
Repetitive Stress: High-impact activities such as running, jumping, or playing sports can put extra strain on the feet, irritating the nerves over time.
Injury: A direct injury or trauma to the foot can also result in the development of Morton’s neuroma, as it may damage or compress the nerve.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms
Morton’s neuroma symptoms are often described as a sensation of walking on a pebble, accompanied by sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. Other common symptoms include:
Pain between the toes: Typically located between the third and fourth toes, though it can affect other areas.
A sensation of stepping on a pebble: Patients often present saying it feels like they occasionally step on a pebble with their forefoot.
Numbness or tingling: A feeling of numbness or tingling in the toes may accompany the pain.
Burning sensation: Many patients report a burning pain that radiates from the ball of the foot to the toes.
Toe cramping: Some people experience cramping in the affected toes, particularly after prolonged activity or wearing tight shoes.
Symptoms often worsen over time and may be triggered by activities that place pressure on the foot, such as walking, running, or standing for long periods.
Who Can Diagnose Morton’s Neuroma?
A podiatrist will typically perform a physical exam and may apply pressure to the ball of the foot to assess the severity of pain or discomfort. We use a specific clinical test called a squeeze test, which, if producing a Mulder’s click, is a positive test for Morton’s neuroma. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs are used to rule out other conditions, such as stress fractures or arthritis.
What Are The Treatment Options?
There are a range of ways to treat a Morton’s neuroma, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical intervention. The best course of treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present.
Conservative Treatment:
Footwear Modification: Wearing shoes with a wider toe box and low heels can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices can provide support and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot, alleviating pain.
Padding: Metatarsal pads can be placed inside the shoe to cushion the foot and redistribute weight away from the affected nerve.
Rest and Ice: Resting the foot and applying ice can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Medical Treatments:
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid Injections: If conservative methods aren’t effective, corticosteroid injections can reduce swelling and provide temporary relief.
Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as techniques such as ultrasound therapy, can help manage symptoms.
Surgical or Ablation Treatment:
For those who do not find relief from non-surgical treatments, surgery or neuroma ablation may be recommended. Discuss these options with a health professional.
How Do I Prevent a Neuroma?
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some tips to help prevent Morton’s neuroma from developing or worsening:
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes with a wide toe box and avoid high heels whenever possible.
Use Orthotics: If you have foot abnormalities, consider using orthotics to improve alignment and distribute pressure evenly.
Book into JS Podiatry to consult with one of our excellent podiatrists today!