Pain is an indicator that something is wrong. Whether it’s your head, back or your foot, your body is saying ‘help!’ A foot ailment you definitely want to take care of right away is something called Morton’s neuroma. What is Morton’s neuroma? It is otherwise known as a pinched nerve in your foot usually between your 3^rd and 4^th toes. Morton’s neuroma can appear to be another ailment like plantar fasciitis which is why seeing your podiatrist is important. They will be able to correctly diagnose you and treat accordingly.

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:

• Burning feeling in the ball of your foot
• Feels like there’s a pebble in your shoe
• Tingling or numbness in your toes

Anything that compresses or presses on a nerve can cause a neuroma including shoes with tight toe boxes or repetitive pounding on a hard surfaces when playing sports like basketball or tennis. People with bunions, hammertoe or flat feet are prone to developing Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma develops over time as greater and greater amounts of pressure aggravate the nerve.

Home treatments can include:

• Anti-inflammatory, anti-pain medicines like ibuprofen
• Ice
• Make sure you have shoes with a larger toe box and no high heels
• Rest

Your podiatrist is the best person to see as they will conduct a series of tests including an x-ray, MRI or magnetic resonance imaging scan or an ultra-sound. Once diagnosed, they can treat as needed.

Treatments for Morton’s neuroma include:

• Orthotics
• Foot pads
• Therapy
• Steroid injections for pain and inflammation
• Cutting of nearby ligaments
• Surgery to remove the damaged nerve

If you have pain in your feet have any other concerns about the health of your feet, make an appointment with us at monpod.com or Foot and Ankle Specialists PC. Dr Scott E. Hughes, Dr Greg P. Vogt and Dr Christine I. Tumele will assess your feet and recommend the best treatments for your feet. We are located in Lambertville and Monroe, MI.