A medical condition known as Morton’s Neuroma can cause significant discomfort and a certain degree of mobility issues for those impacted. Fortunately, treatment is possible. This brief blog will examine what this malady is, causes, symptoms and potential treatment for Morton’s Neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma Defined

Morton’s Neuroma occurs when tissue in the ball of an impacted person’s foot thickens. This thickened tissue impacts nearby nerves, which produces the associated discomfort.

Causes

Physicians and medical researchers opine that inflammation within impacted tissues precipitates the thickening. However, there are certain risk factors that increase one’s chances of developing the ailment including wearing high heeled shoes, participation in sports like running and rock climbing, as well as foot maladies like bunions, hammertoes or high arches.

Associated Symptoms

In certain cases, afflicted persons might not notice any appreciable issues for quite some time. When physical manifestations do occur, said problems can and often include pain (typically between the third and fort toe), toe numbness, a tingling or burning sensation in the foot’s ball that into the toe region or other areas of the foot. Other impacted individuals are said to experience a sensation that feels as if they are standing on a rock or have a small stone stuck in their shoe.

Diagnosis

Medical professionals recommend seeing a podiatrist or medical doctor should one experience any of the aforementioned manifestations for durations lasting longer than a few days. On certain occasions, a doctor might be able to confirm the diagnosis by detecting a lump in the stricken individual’s foot or a clicking sound when examining specific foot bones.

That said, when such outward signs are not visible, a healthcare professional might need to employ certain diagnostic tools to confirm their suspicions. Apparatuses like X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) devices and ultrasound machines have proven effective in confirming a Morton’s neuroma diagnosis.

Treatment For Morton’s Neuroma

As with many ailments, specific treatment will be determined by the condition’s severity and the specific underlying cause.

In some cases, successful treatment or alleviation of untoward symptoms can be accomplished by engaging in simple actions such as changing footwear. For example, stricken women who regularly don high heels might notice less discomfort by wearing said shoes less frequently or identifying other choices of footwear. Sometimes, ceasing physical activity for a specific period, applying ice to the impacted region or using over-the-counter pain relievers might prove effective.

However, in severe presentations of the ailment or when the associated symptoms elicit greater pain or disability, more aggressive forms of treatment might be indicated. Such remedial efforts include:

Decompression Surgery

During this procedure, nearby tissues are cut to lessen the pressure on impacted nerves.

Injections

In certain instances, steroid injections into the impacted region may provide needed relief.

Nerve Removal

Nerve removal is a surgical procedure in which the impacted nerve(s) are extracted. This process is typically only initiated as last resort and could lead to permanent numbness or mobility difficulties.

Contact Us

Individuals experiencing foot pain or discomfort they believe might be Morton’s neuroma are encouraged to contact the Advanced Foot and Ankle Center. Our team of doctors, led by Dr. Pedram Aslmand, can perform an examination, confirm a diagnosis and determine the best form of treatment to consider.