Morton’s neuroma, you’ll be painfully aware of it.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Morton’s neuroma is a condition affecting the ball of your foot between the third and fourth toes. It can be intensely painful or sting, burn and sometimes feel numb. Many people who suffer this painful condition describe the sensation as having a foreign object in their shoe. Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around the nerve leading to the toes and usually develops because of injury, irritation or simply because of the pressure from long hours on your feet. Although you can’t really see it the pain is sure to make you aware of it and symptoms usually get progressively worse unless steps are taken to reduce stress on the foot. Diagnosis of Morton’s neuroma is done by physical examination. Dr. Boucher will feel and press on the area causing the pain and question you about your symptoms. An ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis because it offers a clear picture of soft tissue damage.

There are a number of treatment options that range from lifestyle changes and things you can try at home to surgery. Dr. Boucher will most likely reserve surgical options as a last resort. Although surgery has a high success rate, the possibility of permanent nerve damage exists. Recommendations for at home treatment to help relieve pain and allow nerve to heal include:

• Change of footwear
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication
• Modification of activities that place stress on your feet
• Ice packs

Medical treatment of Morton’s neuroma will depend on the severity of your case. Dr. Boucher may suggest foot pads or orthotics to redistribute the pressure on your foot. Orthotics are available over the counter, or Dr. Boucher may custom design them for you. Other options include:

• Steroid injections
• Temporarily freezing the nerve
• Decompression surgery
• Surgical removal of the nerve

Morton’s neuroma is a commonly seen condition and Dr. Boucher’s experience at healing will help relieve your pain and speed you to recovery. No foot condition that causes pain should be ignored. If you haven’t gotten relief from pain by changing your footwear to a roomier toe design and giving yourself a break from rigorous activities that may be contributing to the pain, you should make an appointment with Dr. Boucher by calling (203) 238-3668.

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References:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mortons-neuroma/DS00468
http://www.medicinenet.com/mortons_neuroma/article.htm

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Pain in the Ball of the Foot: Neuroma?

"The doctor said I have a neuroma," Jessie told her husband after a visit to her local podiatrist's office. "Now I know why I have that weird pain in the ball of my foot every time I walk or when we go out dancing."

A neuroma, also referred to as a "pinched nerve" is a painful condition involving irritation and/or thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, most commonly the 3rd and 4th toes. The condition brings on pain, a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot.
"How did you get that neuroma," Jeff asked Jessie "I'll bet it's from wearing those crazy high heels." Although Jeff may have guessed one god cause of neuromas, there are several other causes as well. Biomechanical deformities, such as a high arch or a flat foot can lead the the formation of a neuroma. Trauma can also cause damage to the nerve, resulting in swelling and inflammation. Repeated stress to the foot, common to some occupations, can create or aggravate a neuroma.
A visit the the podiatrist should be your first step in determing a treatment plan when you have this type of foot pain. The podiatrist can offer a number of treatment options upon diagnosing of a neuroma, including:

• Padding and taping;
• Medications such as oral anti-inflammatories, or injections including cortisone or a nerve destructive agent;
• Orthotic devices;
• Surgical options when conservative treatments fail.

Jessie found relief with injections which the podiatrist performed in the office and by changing her shoes. Your podiatrist can also recommend ways to relieve the pain of a neuroma including opting for other types of shoes, and resting and icing the foot. This type of pain should not be ignored, and a visit to your podiatrist can often get offer the relief you need.
Dr. Tina A. Boucher, DPM
Central Connecticut Foot Care, LLC
Podiatrist Meriden CT
http://www.centralctfootcare.com/
Order your free copy of our books "Why Do My Feet Hurt?" and "Heal My Heel!" today!