Do you feel a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot? Perhaps you suffer from numbness, or a sensation like you’re stepping on a pebble? If so, you may be dealing with Morton’s neuroma.
Morton’s neuroma, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, is a painful condition affecting the ball of your foot – most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes. It involves the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes and often causes discomfort and pain.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp, burning pain: Typically felt in the ball of the foot, and may radiate to the toes.
- Numbness or tingling: In the toes – especially the area between the third and fourth toes.
- Feeling of a Pebble: The sensation of feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe.
- Pain when walking: Pain intensifies when walking or standing, and often improves when removing tight shoes, resting or massaging the foot.
Causes
There is no one cause for Morton’s neuroma, but there are several factors that can contribute to its development. People with certain foot shapes, such as flat feet, high arches or bunions, are more prone to developing this condition, as are people that wear high-heeled shoes, shoes that are too tight or do not support the foot, as this can compress the nerves in the foot. Repetitive stress is another cause, because activities that involve repetitive pressure on the ball of the foot, such as running, can increase the risk. Being overweight causes pressure on the nerve, and trauma or injury to the foot can also lead to the development of a neuroma due to nerve damage.
The diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma usually comes in the form of a review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination and potentially the use of imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRIs to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment
There are many effective treatments available, and they vary based on the severity of the condition. In the first instance the following changes may be recommended:
- Switching to shoes with a wide toe and low heels to reduce pressure on the nerve.
- Custom shoe inserts (orthotics) can help alleviate pressure on the affected area.
- Using pads or cushions to support the arch and reduce nerve compression.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help manage pain.
- Exercises and stretches (physical therapy) to improve foot mechanics and reduce symptoms.
Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for Morton’s neuroma as they help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain by delivering powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area. The procedure is relatively quick and minimally invasive, offering significant relief for many patients. While not a permanent cure, corticosteroid injections can effectively manage symptoms, improve mobility, and delay or even avoid the need for surgical intervention.
If conservative and medical treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma or release the pressure on the nerve.
By understanding Morton’s neuroma, you can take steps to manage symptoms, seek appropriate treatment, and prevent future occurrences. If you’re experiencing persistent foot pain ensure you speak with a healthcare professional to correctly diagnose the issue.
Corticosteroid injections are available at the Leigh Injection Clinic, based on the coast in Leigh on Sea, Essex – perfect for patients in Essex, Kent, London, and surrounding areas.