Morton’s Neuroma
What is it?
A neuroma is a noncancerous (benign) growth of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of your body. Morton’s neuroma occurs in a nerve in your foot, often between your third and fourth toes. The condition involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes.
How does it happen?
The condition seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the digital nerves that lead to your toes. The growth of thickened nerve tissue (neuroma) is part of your body’s response to the irritation or injury.
How does it feel?
Morton’s neuroma causes a burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate to your toes. You may notice some tingling in your toes. At first, the pain may worsen when you wear tight or narrow shoes or engage in activities that place pressure on your foot.
What should you do?
If you have or suspect you have a Morton’s neuroma, you should consult your nearest Podiatrist or sports medicine professional. They can assist in diagnosing the problem and establishing its severity. From this, an appropriate treatment plan will be developed.
What shouldn’t you do?
You shouldn’t ignore the problem. If you don’t seek treatment, it is likely to get worse. Avoid wearing tight or narrow shoes and carrying out activities that place pressure on your foot.
How is the condition treated?
Initial therapies are nonsurgical and relatively simple. They can involve one or more of the following treatments:
- Changes in footwear. Avoid high heels or tight shoes, and wear wider shoes with lower heels and a soft sole. This enables the bones to spread out and may reduce pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal.
- Orthoses. Custom shoe inserts and pads also help relieve irritation by reducing the pressure on the affected nerve.
- Injection. One or more injections of a corticosteroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation of the nerve, bringing some relief.
- RF Ablation – a fine tip needle is inserted to the damaged nerve and is heated which can stop the pain signal from being transmitted
Location
56 Zahel St, Carina QLD 4152
