Understanding Morton's Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Morton's neuroma is a common condition that causes pain in the ball of the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes. Dr. John Paul Elton, a renowned foot and ankle specialist at Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), shares his expertise on this condition, its causes, symptoms, and the best ways to treat it.
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's neuroma occurs when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens, causing pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of your foot. "Morton's neuroma often develops due to irritation, injury, or pressure on the nerve," says Dr. Elton. "Activities that add stress to the foot can make Morton’s neuroma worse."
Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
The main symptom of Morton's neuroma is a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. You may also experience:
Tingling or numbness in the toes
A feeling as if there is a small stone in your shoe
Pain that gets worse with physical activity and improves with rest
Dr. Elton notes, "Patients often describe a sensation similar to having a pebble in their shoe. It's important to recognize these symptoms early and get proper Morton's neuroma treatment to prevent further pain, and complications."
Causes of Morton's Neuroma
Several factors can lead to Morton's neuroma:
Improper Footwear: High heels or tight shoes can increase pressure on the nerve.
Repetitive Stress: Activities such as running or high-impact sports can irritate the nerve.
Foot Abnormalities: Conditions like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet can contribute to the development of neuroma foot problems.
Morton's Neuroma Treatment
The goal of Morton's neuroma treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce inflammation. "Early intervention is key," Dr. Elton advises. "Simple changes can significantly improve symptoms."
Common treatment options include:
Footwear Adjustments: Wear shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel to help reduce pressure on the nerve.
Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to provide additional support and relieve pressure on the affected area.
Anti-inflammatory Meds: Over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms of pain and inflammation.
If these treatments are not effective, other options may be considered:
Corticosteroid Injections: These types of injections can help reduce inflammation and pain in the foot.
Sclerosing Alcohol Injections: These can shrink the neuroma and alleviate symptoms.
Surgical Removal: In severe cases, removing the neuroma surgically may be necessary.
Preventing Morton's Neuroma
Preventing Morton's neuroma involves wearing appropriate footwear, managing stress on the feet, and addressing any underlying foot abnormalities. Dr. Elton recommends, "Choose shoes that fit well and offer good support. Avoid high heels and narrow-toed shoes, especially during activities that stress the feet."
Morton's neuroma, while painful, can be effectively managed with the right approach. Understanding the causes and symptoms and seeking timely neuroma foot treatment can significantly reduce pain and improve your quality of life.
Dr. John Paul Elton – Foot Doctor Near Me
For more information on managing neuroma foot pain or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Elton, visit Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery. With offices in Vail, Frisco, and Edwards, CO, expert care is always nearby. If you're looking for a foot doctor near me, VSON provides comprehensive and compassionate foot care.
By taking proactive steps and seeking appropriate Morton's neuroma treatment, you can return to your daily activities pain-free and enjoy a better quality of life.