Neuroma
A foot neuroma causes pain in the ball of your foot, most often between the third and fourth toes, however, it can be present in between any of the toes.
A neuroma in the foot, commonly called a Morton's neuroma, is a benign, non-cancerous thickening of nerve tissue that can significantly impact your quality of life.
Typically, a foot neuroma manifests pain primarily in the ball of your foot, with the most common site being the area between the third and fourth toes. However, it is important to note that Morton's neuroma can also develop between any of the toes, leading to discomfort in various parts of the foot.
Like many foot-related ailments, if left untreated, Morton's neuroma can worsen over time, leading to increased pain and potentially necessitating more invasive treatments.
In addition to the physical symptoms, the psychological impact of living with Morton's neuroma should not be overlooked. The persistent discomfort can lead to changes in gait or posture, which may result in compensatory pain in other areas of the body, such as the knees, hips, or lower back.
It is crucial for individuals experiencing these symptoms to seek medical advice and explore treatment options. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be considered to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve and alleviate the painful symptoms associated with this condition.
Causes
A neuroma forms when a nerve located in the ball of your foot becomes compressed, irritated, or injured due to various factors. Common triggers we see are:
repetitive stress
improper footwear
anatomical abnormalities
Diagnosing
To diagnose a neuroma, we conduct a thorough physical examination of the foot. We'll move the foot around and put light pressure on areas around the nerve to determine exactly where the pain originates. We will also use an ultrasound in office to take a deeper look into your symptoms.
Symptoms
Individuals suffering from Morton's neuroma may experience a variety of symptoms that can complicate daily activities. Patients may experience:
painful or numb toes
radiating pain from the ball of the foot to toes
mild discomfort
sharp, stinging sensation
Intense cases can cause severe, debilitating pain. Many patients report the feeling of walking on a pebble.
Treatment
Our goal when treating your neuroma is to alleviate compression and promote relief to the area. We start with:
custom orthotics with metatarsal pads to relieve pressure
prescribing NSAIDs to reduce inflammation
RICE therapy at home
ultrasound guided corticosteroid Injections
alcohol-based injections to shrink the neuroma