Are you a runner, dancer or high-heel wearer?
Do you experience pain in the ball of one or both of your feet?
If so - You may be suffering from a condition known as "Morton's Neuroma".
Morton’s Neuroma is a painful condition of the forefoot caused by repetitive trauma to one or more nerves. Morton’s Neuroma, sometimes called a “traumatic neuroma”, is common not only among runners, but often affects ladies who wear high heels.
In fact, wearing shoes that are too narrow or performing any activity that puts repetitive stress on the ball of the foot can contribute to the development of a neuroma.
A neuroma is a nerve that become enlarged and surrounded by scar tissue as a result of being compressed or chronically irritated. Neuromas most commonly occur in the forefoot and are typically between the metatarsal bones.
Symptoms of a Neuroma
As a neuroma increases in size the metatarsal bones put increasing pressure on the nerve. The pain from this increasing pressure usually occurs as you roll from the heel up onto the ball of the foot.
Sharp, burning, tingling and/or shooting pain in the forefoot are typical symptoms of a neuroma. Some report an increase in pain when walking barefoot or on hard surfaces and also feeling as if a sock is waded up under their foot when they put on their shoes.
Neuroma pain can be very sharp and shooting with the pain radiating out into the toes and eventually making the toes feel numb.
Treatment for a Neuroma
The good news is that neuromas can usually be treated without surgery. Treatment for a neuroma will depend on the severity of the pain and the amount of scar tissue that has developed. Neuroma pain may respond to the use of a metatarsal pad for your shoe that elevates and separates the metatarsal bones, wider, more supportive shoes and custom orthotics to help stabilize the foot and reduce the motion of the metatarsal bones. If neuroma pain does not respond to these conservative treatments, a cortisone injection may be necessary to reduce the inflammation around the nerve.
Call (562) 433-0478 to schedule your appointment with an experienced podiatrists.
Remember, foot pain is not normal!