Morton’s Neuroma is a benign tumor of a nerve that is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the digital nerve to the toes that develops between the third and fourth toe. This is caused in response to irritation, trauma and excessive pressure to the area.
Symptoms you may experience are
- A feeling of “Walking on a marble”
- Persistent pain in the ball of the foot
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot that radiates into the toes. This pain generally intensifies with activity or wearing shoes.
- Numbness or unpleasant feeling in the toes.
Risk Factors
- Runners when pushing off of the starting blocks may feel pain.
- High-heeled shoes
- Tight and narrow shoes which compresses the toes can aggravate this condition.
How is this condition diagnosed?
First your physician will do a through exam to determine what your symptoms and medical history are. During the physical exam your physician will look for any feel of a ‘palpable mass’ or click between the bones. They will also test range of motion and check for signs of stress fractures, arthritis or joint inflammation. An x-ray may be ordered to rule these things out.
Treatment Options:
- Non-Surgical Morton’s Neuroma Treatment
Prevention
The best way to prevent again Morton’s Neuroma is to choose footwear that are not ill-fitted to the foot. Making sure that the shoewear provides plenty of support and cushioning as well as toe box room is important to avoid excessive pressure or compression on the joints.