Morton’s Neuroma is a painful disorder of the forefoot caused by the thickening of nerve tissue at the base of the third and fourth toes.
Symptoms:
- Numbness and tingling that radiate to the toes
- Pain, or the feeling that something is under the ball of the foot
- Swelling between the toes
Factors that may contribute to the formation of a neuroma:
- Wearing shoes that constrict the toes
- Wearing high heeled shoes
- Injury that damages the nerve
- Flatfeet or high-arched feet
- Activities that cause repetitive stress to the ball of the foot
Treatment:
- Padding the ball of the foot
- Taping the foot to help keep it in a normal position
- Apply ice to the inflamed or painful area several times per day
- Wear shoes that are wide at the toes and instep
- Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation
- Cessation of activities that place repetitive stress on the neuroma
- Custom orthotic devices help to support the foot and relieve pressure
- Surgery to remove the affected nerve may be necessary if other treatment methods fail
