What is Morton’s Neuroma?
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Are you experiencing pain, burning or numbness in the ball of your foot? Do you feel like there’s a rock in your shoe or your sock is bunched up when you walk? If yes, you may have a condition known as Morton’s Neuroma.
A Neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue which can occur in various parts of the body due to compression or squeezing of the nerve. One of the most common kinds that affects the foot and that we see treat often at Texas Foot Specialists is Morton’s Neuroma, which most often strikes a nerve between the third and fourth toe.
Common Causes
There are a number of different ways that this nerve in your foot may be aggravated or compressed. These include:
- Frequently participating in activities that involve repetitive stress to the ball of the foot such as running, basketball, squash or tennis.
- Certain foot deformities increase the risk of developing a Neuroma including bunions, flatfeet or hammertoes.
- Regularly wearing shoes that have a narrow toe box or high heels which put pressure on the forefoot.
- A previous injury or trauma to the area.
What Can be Done?
Our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller or Dr. Gregory Mangum, will start by examining your foot and getting a complete medical history. They will ask questions about your footwear and your regular activities. The foot doctor will attempt to manipulate your foot in such a way as to reproduce your symptoms. Ultrasound or other imaging and nerve testing may be ordered to confirm a diagnosis.
If the podiatrist is sure you have a Morton’s Neuroma, there are a number of non-invasive treatments that are available both to treat pain and inflammation and also to shift pressure away from the affected area and decrease the compression of the nerve. Treatment is most effective when started in the earliest stages of the disorder. If you are experiencing any discomfort in the ball of your foot don’t put off contacting us for an appointment at our Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston office and get it evaluated sooner rather than later.