Just this year, over 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma. Despite how common this condition is, not many know much about it. Morton’s neuroma is a nerve disorder that affects the toes, creating pain and difficulty walking.

Symptoms

When the tissue around the nerves leading into your toes gets thick, it leads to pain. Here are some signs you may have Morton’s neuroma:

• Numbness, stinging or tingling in your toes
• Feeling as though there’s a rock or pebble in your shoe
• Burning pain in the ball of your foot (the feeling could radiate into your toes, too)
• Lump in the sole of your foot

Often, rubbing your feet or taking off your shoes might help relieve these symptoms.

Causes

Morton’s neuroma is typically caused by a specific injury or irritation, like…

• Wearing high heels or uncomfortable shoes
• High-impact sports or sports that require tight-fitting shoes, like running, rock climbing, or ballet
• Hammertoes
• High arches
• Flat feet
• Bunions

When To See a Podiatrist

If you’re experiencing any pain or symptoms of neuropathy, there are some home tricks you can try. Try these methods out to see if you find relief:

• Taking anti-inflammatory medications, like Advil
• Icing your foot
• Massaging your foot
• Buying shoes that fit comfortably
• Taking a break from any sports or activities that worsen your symptoms

If you’ve tried these methods and still experience side effects, it’s important to contact your podiatrist as soon as possible! Neuropathy symptoms can worsen if you leave it untreated. Morton’s neuroma can also come back again after treatment, which is why it’s crucial to properly treat it the first time around.

Treatment

What ways can your podiatrist help? Here are some of your options:

• Arch supports or foot pads
• Custom orthotics
• Injection therapy
• Decompression surgery
• Removing the nerve

You can count on the Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC foot doctors, to care for your feet using a full range of conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies, including on-site digital x-ray, and ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. Please contact our office to schedule a consultation. We offer house calls Monday through Thursday.