Table of Contents
Neuroma Treatment in the Salt Lake City area of Utah
Morton’s Neuroma Causes and Treatments
If you regularly feel a pain in the ball of your foot – a lot like you’re walking on a marble – you may be suffering from Morton’s neuroma.
This pain usually develops between the third and fourth toes and is a case of the tissues around the nerves that lead to the toes thickening up like a benign tumor. This is the most common neuroma that affects the feet, and it needs to be treated as soon as possible (otherwise, you could risk permanent damage).
This neuroma is both preventable and treatable, though, if you understand what it is and what you can do about it.
The Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
The most common cause of Morton’s neuroma is excessive pressure, irritation, and/or compression on the foot. While anything could be the source of this pressure, by far the major culprit is a pair of shoes that do not fit correctly.
Any shoes that crowd the toes together, especially those with a tapered point on the front, can contribute to this condition. However, if you’re involved in activities that caused repeated stress on the balls of your feet, such as running or tennis, then you could be at a higher risk.
There is also always a chance that the pain you feel in your foot could be caused by other conditions, like arthritis or stress fractures. So, when you come into the office, we can use our high-tech diagnostic systems to determine the true cause before recommending a treatment plan.
The Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
The most common symptoms of this neuroma include:
- A feeling like you are walking on a marble or small pebble
- Tingling and numbness
- Pain or a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that pushes into the toes
- Pain that gets worse with activity and tends to go away at night
Since this is not really a tumor, there is usually no outward signs that the tissues around the nerves are bunching up, so you probably won’t see a lump begin to form on the bottom of your foot.
Most of these symptoms start slowly, and you may only feel them when you’re wearing ill-fitting shoes. In mild cases, these symptoms may go away as soon as you remove those shoes and massage your feet a little.
Over time, however, these symptoms can grow and potentially become permanent.
The Treatment
- Orthotics – Some custom footwear can help relieve the pain.
- Better footwear – If your shoes are the cause, it’s time to switch them out.
- Injections – In more severe cases, you may need a corticosteroid injection.
- Ice packs – You can reduce swelling and pain by icing the area.
- Padding – Like orthotics, you can support your feet with proper padding in your shoes
- Surgery – This is a last resort, but this may be necessary in extreme cases
Neuroma FAQs
What is a neuroma?
What are the symptoms of a neuroma?
Symptoms of a neuroma include:
- The sensation of having a rock in your shoe
- Burning, stabbing, or shooting pain
- Pain that radiates into your toes
- Tingling and numbness
If you have a neuroma, you might also notice that rubbing your foot relieves these symptoms.
When should I see a podiatrist regarding a neuroma?
Make an appointment at Advanced Foot & Ankle Center if you experience pain in the ball of your foot that doesn’t respond to painkillers or ice and rest.
You should also book an appointment if you experience foot pain that persists, even after you change shoes or modify your daily activity.
Who is at risk of a neuroma?
Anyone can experience a neuroma, but several factors may increase your risk, including:
- Wearing high heels
- Jogging or running
- Skiing
- Rock climbing
You’re also more likely to experience a neuroma if you have an underlying foot problem like hammertoe, high arches, or flat feet.
How is a neuroma diagnosed?
To diagnose a neuroma, your Advanced Foot & Ankle Center provider reviews your medical history and asks about your symptoms. Then, they conduct an exam, gently pressing on the ball of your foot to pinpoint areas of sensitivity or warmth.
If your provider suspects your symptoms are the result of another condition, like a stress fracture, they might also order X-rays. In some cases, they order ultrasounds to determine the size or location of a neuroma.
How is a neuroma treated?
Treatment of a neuroma depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily routine. Whenever possible, Advanced Foot & Ankle Center recommends conservative treatments like physical therapy, wearing more comfortable shoes, or custom orthotics.
If those treatments don’t provide adequate relief, your provider might recommend corticosteroid injections or decompression surgery. Injections reduce pain and inflammation while decompression surgery relieves pressure on the neuroma by cutting certain ligaments.
What Should You Do Next?
Looking to schedule an appointment with a physician?
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Center or book an appointment online today for effective solutions to your neuroma.
