Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Q&A

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we take foot health seriously. One of the conditions our experienced team of podiatrists often diagnoses and treats is Morton’s neuroma. This foot condition is identified by an abnormal thickening of the surrounding tissue of a nerve that leads to the toes.
 
Morton’s neuroma usually targets the nerve between the third and fourth toes, but other toes can also be affected. The condition arises from the compression and irritation of the nerve, leading to swelling and possibly permanent nerve damage. The resulting pain, numbness, and tingling can intensify over time, making it difficult for patients to walk or stand for extended periods.

Although the exact cause of Morton’s neuroma remains unknown, several factors are associated with its development. These include repetitive stress on the feet from high-impact activities like running or jogging, wearing high-heeled or narrow shoes, or having certain foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or flat feet.

Patients often describe symptoms as a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that can radiate into the toes. It can feel like standing on a pebble or folding in a sock. Temporary relief from the pain can often be achieved by taking off the shoe, flexing the foot, or rubbing the affected area.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we diagnose Morton’s neuroma using a physical exam and a complete history of symptoms. When necessary, we use imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to rule out alternative possibilities. If you have continuous discomfort in the ball of your foot, we strongly suggest you seek medical attention.

Our treatment options for Morton’s neuroma are generally conservative, starting with special foot pads or shoe inserts, physical therapy, and pain relievers. However, in severe cases, our highly skilled surgeons may need to perform surgery to remove the neuroma. With the right treatment from our dedicated team at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma can be effectively managed and relieved.

Morton’s neuroma is a nerve condition that can significantly impact the health and comfort of your feet. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we understand the pain and discomfort that can result from this condition, and our team is here to help.
 
Morton’s neuroma is characterized by considerable discomfort in the ball of your foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It can be sharp, strong, or cause a burning feeling. Wearing tight shoes or engaging in physical activity like walking or jogging can increase the pain.

In addition to pain, patients may also experience numbness or tingling sensations in their toes, which can sometimes extend to the entire foot. In some cases, a small, tender lump or thickening can be felt in the ball of the foot, corresponding to the inflamed nerve. This can cause discomfort, giving a feeling akin to standing on an uneven surface or sock fold.

The affected area may also experience a burning sensation, and the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma can sometimes manifest as shooting or radiating pain extending from the ball of the foot toward the toes. Symptoms may not always be present: they may come and go, becoming worse over time if the neuroma grows in size.

If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma, seek professional medical help right away. Our healthcare professionals can provide an accurate diagnosis as well as relevant treatment options to help you manage the disease. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we are dedicated to assisting you in maintaining the health and comfort of your feet.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we frequently consult and treat patients suffering from a common foot condition known as Morton’s neuromas, also referred to as interdigital neuralgia. This condition involves a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot that often extends to the toes.

Morton’s neuromas can be caused by a variety of factors, such as mechanical stress, which can be due to high heels, ill-fitting shoes, or prolonged standing. These factors can lead to the intermetatarsal nerve becoming pinched or irritated, eventually resulting in Morton’s neuromas. Footwear with insufficient arch support can also lead to excessive foot motion, further aggravating the nerve.

Participating in high-impact athletic activities that involve repetitive bending and twisting of the foot, such as jogging, running, or dancing, can also lead to nerve damage. Additionally, sports that require tight shoes, like skiing or rock climbing, can place undue pressure on the toes and balls of the feet.

Structural foot abnormalities like bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or more flexible feet can also contribute to Morton’s neuromas. These malformations can affect how you walk and distribute weight on your foot, putting extra strain on the metatarsal nerve.

Trauma to the foot, weight gain, and certain systemic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes may also increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuromas.

Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates has the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat this issue. If you have persistent discomfort or numbness in your feet, we recommend that you see one of our healthcare professionals or a podiatrist. Our team is dedicated to delivering comprehensive foot care and assisting patients in managing and overcoming Morton’s neuroma.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of foot conditions, including Morton’s neuroma. This nerve compression condition affects the ball of the foot, leading to varying degrees of discomfort and pain.
 
Patients often describe the sensation as similar to standing on a pebble or having a small stone in their shoe. The discomfort might vary from a little tingling or burning sensation to extreme throbbing or stabbing. It can also radiate to the toes, with some patients reporting numbness or a sensation akin to pins and needles extending to the affected toes.

The intensity of Morton’s neuroma pain can vary from a tolerable nuisance to debilitating agony. Activities that create strain on the foot, such as prolonged standing, walking, running, or wearing tight shoes, might worsen the problem.

We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, from changes in footwear and orthotics to pain medications. In more serious situations, we might advise surgery. Our goal is to successfully treat and reduce the pain produced by Morton’s neuroma. Remember that early discovery and treatment may significantly enhance the prognosis for this disease.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we understand that persistent foot pain can greatly impact your quality of life. One of the common conditions we encounter is Morton’s neuroma, a foot condition that typically causes pain between the third and fourth toes. It can start as a mild discomfort, often mistaken for a simple foot ache or a bunion, but as the condition progresses, the pain can become acute and persistent.

If you notice persistent foot pain or it feels like there’s a pebble in your shoe due to the thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve, leading to your toes, it is crucial to seek medical advice immediately. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we have the knowledge and gadgets to accurately identify and treat Morton’s neuromas.

Left untreated, Morton’s neuroma can lead to complications such as changes in your stride and balance, potentially leading to leg, hip, and back problems. The condition can also cause burning sensations and further amplify the pain, especially during weight-bearing activities such as walking or standing for extended periods.

At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, we emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for managing Morton’s neuroma. Our skilled podiatrists will collaborate with you to create a tailored treatment plan, which may include conservative options like physical therapy and orthotics or, in more severe cases, cutting-edge medical procedures such as surgery or corticosteroid shots.

Additionally, untreated Morton’s neuroma can trigger the onset of other foot problems, such as plantar fasciitis or heel spurs. Our team at Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates has extensive experience treating a variety of foot issues, ensuring that your feet stay healthy and functional.

If you’re experiencing any persistent foot pain or symptoms associated with Morton’s neuroma, don’t hesitate to contact us. At Bay Area Foot and Ankle Associates, our priority is to alleviate your discomfort and restore your foot health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you. We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Brentwood CA, Concord CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Alamo CA, Danville CA, Pittsburg CA, Antioch CA, and Oakley CA.