Morton’s Neuroma is happens when the nerve tissue between the 3rd and 4th toes becomes thick and inflammed. We sometimes refer them as intermetatarsal neuroma as they can develop at the ball of the foot, between the metatarsal bones. However, it is common for neuromas to appear in any location in the foot, secondary to factors such as foot wear and genetic predisposition.
What Causes Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma is the result of chronic compression or irritation to the nerve, causing it to swell. It is the body’s response to protect the nerve from being damaged, encasing the nerve with a protective sheath. Along with the swelling, the area will hurt when you walk on it, or depress the tender area.
The most common reason you would have Morton’s Neuroma, is that you have been wearing shoes that squeeze your toes together. High heels or shoes with a tapared toe box can compress the nerve with constant wearing. Other causes are foot deformities, genetic issues like flat feet or hypermobile feet, as well as bunions and hammertoes. For athletes, Morton’s Neuroma signals repeat irritation to the ball of the foot.
How Does It Feel Like?
If you are suspecting that you are suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, how can you tell aside from the pinching pain between your toes? Other symptoms can be tingling or numbness around the ball of your affected foot. The burning sensation is linked to the inflammation, and the ache can feel like sharp to a dull numbing pain.
Aside from pain, you can also feel discomfort, like there is something in your shoe, or like you are stepping on bunched up socks underneath your foot. To confirm that you have Morton’s Neuroma, proper feet examination is required. In some cases, imaging studies can be done to confirm suspicions.
How We Can Help?
After confirmation, we usually start treatment by first assessing if your footwear needs to change. We can help make fix any underlying feet problems such as bunions and hammertoes if any. With Morton’s Neuroma, foot mobilisation has research backing it to be an effective research. Surgery is rare but serious last resort for Morton’s Neuroma.
If you suspect that you have Morton’s Neuroma, come in and let us have a look at it.
How To Tell If You Have Morton’s Neuroma
Feet pain is a sign and symptom for many of lower limb ailments. From heel spurs to bone fracture, you know that something is wrong with your feet from the pain it generates. You may know about heel spurs and heel pain, but Morton’s Neuroma is also a common cause for pain at the ball of your foot. With Morton’s Neuroma, another symptom may be the numbing sensation, or feeling of something underneath your affected foot when you walk.