Morton’s Neuromas

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What Is Morton's Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve becomes thickened, often due to irritation or compression. This leads to sharp, burning pain and a sensation of something being stuck under the foot. The condition is often aggravated by wearing tight or high-heeled shoes. Treatment may include rest, ice, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery to remove the neuroma or relieve pressure on the nerve.

Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma?

Pain

Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes.

Sensation of a Lump

A feeling of something being trapped or a lump under the foot.

Swelling

Mild swelling around the affected area may be present.

Numbness

A tingling or numb feeling in the toes or ball of the foot.

Worsening Pain with Activity

The pain often increases with walking, standing, or wearing tight shoes.

Relief with Foot Movement

Pain may be temporarily relieved by removing shoes or massaging the affected area.

Morton's Neuroma FAQ

Morton’s neuroma is caused by repetitive irritation or compression of a nerve in the foot, often due to high heels, tight footwear, or excessive pressure on the toes.

It’s diagnosed through a physical exam, a medical history review, and imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to rule out other conditions.

Treatment options include wearing proper footwear, using orthotics, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery.

Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and avoiding high heels can help reduce the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

Surgery is typically considered when conservative treatments like rest, orthotics, or injections don’t provide relief.

Recovery can take several weeks, with most people able to resume normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.