Morton's Neuroma - What it is and How to Treat It

Morton's Neuroma can be a painful foot problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, the condition is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that leads to your toes.

One with Morton's might feel a variety of symptoms ranging from: burning, pain, tingling, numbness that shoots into the toes, pain that is increased while walking, and the sensation of a lump between the toes. This usually occurs between the third and fourth toe and less often between the second and third toes. And according to Podiatry Channel, the pain is lessened when there is not weight being put on the painful foot.

What causes Morton's neuroma?

According to the Mayo Clinic, it could be a response to some kind of irritation or pressure or of unknown reasons. Wearing tight fitting shoes, such as high-heels would be an example of an irritation or pressure that could cause Morton's neuroma. Other possible causes could be an unstable foot, repetitive trauma to the foot, or from an injury.

What are the risk factors?

Risk factors for Morton's neuroma include being female, wearing high-heeled shoes, being over-weight, having a foot injury, or any activities that could cause repetitive trauma- such as sports.

What will relieve the symptoms?

Symptoms can be temporarily relieved by taking off shoes, flexing the toes and rubbing the feet. And according to the Mayo Clinic, you might want to try getting new shoes, resting your feet, using arch supports to relieve pressure in the area.

There are times when you might need to see a doctor. A doctor might recommend, according to the Mayo Clinic, anti-inflammatory drugs, a cortisone injection, resting your foot, or as a last resort, surgery. To avoid surgery, it's best to catch Morton's neuroma early and start treating it early.

Things you can do at home, that the Foot & Ankle Institute suggest, is to treat and try to lessen the pain of Morton's neuroma: take an over the counter anti-inflammatory medication, use ice and massage on the foot, change your shoes, wear supports in your shoes and stay off your feet; take a break from impact activities such as jogging, tennis, etc.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic Staff, "Morton's neuroma". Mayo Clinic.
Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Foot & Ankle Institute. Foot & Ankle Institute.
Hai-En Peng, D.P.M., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D., Morton's Neuroma - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, Surgery. Podiatry Channel.