If you’ve noticed bothersome pain between your toes, you may be experiencing the effects of Morton’s neuroma. This chronic condition happens when tissue around one of the nerves that leads to your toes starts thickening. Thankfully, it’s treatable.
The expert team at Johnson Medical Center in Venice, Florida, diagnoses and treats painful foot conditions, including Morton’s neuroma. Takes a few minutes to learn more about it, including telltale signs and ways we can help.
Causes of Morton’s neuroma
Morton’s neuroma seems to happen in response to some type of irritation, injury, or pressure affecting nerves that lead to your toes. While most anyone can develop it, you hold a greater risk if you:
- Frequently wear high heels or tight shoes
- Partake in high-impact activities, such as running, rock climbing, or skiing
- Have a bunion, high arches, flat feet, or hammertoes
Common signs of Morton’s neuroma
In some cases, Morton’s neuroma develops without causing any noticeable symptoms. More often, however, painful symptoms unfold. These symptoms may include:
- Feeling like you have a small rock in your shoe
- Feeling like you have a small object in the ball of your foot
- A burning sensation in the ball of your foot
- Numbness or tingling in your toes
- Pain that radiates from the ball of your foot into your toes
- Pain that reduces when you rub your feet or remove your shoes
From the outside, Morton’s neuroma is typically undetectable. In other words, a large bump, redness, or swelling could indicate a different condition.
What to do about Morton’s neuroma
If you’ve experienced foot pain for longer than a few days, or if your symptoms are sudden and severe, seek medical guidance. You should also schedule an exam if the pain in the ball of your foot doesn’t improve, even when you change your activities and switch to supportive shoes.
Once you come into our office, your provider will conduct a physical exam during which they’ll press on your foot to assess tenderness and determine if there’s a mass. They may also order an imaging test, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.
If you’re diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, your treatment plan may include:
- Arch supports and foot pads
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Breaks or changes in your usual activities
- Changes in your footwear
- Ice massage
- Steroid injections
- Decompression surgery
- Removal of the affected nerve
Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that don’t respond well to conservative treatments.
Our providers can correctly diagnose your foot pain and get you on the road to recovery and relief. To learn more about Morton’s neuroma or get the care you need, call our office or request an appointment online today.