Morton’s Neuroma—Discover All You Need to Know About this Foot Condition from A Podiatrist
Your feet have a tough job.
Think about it—they help you get around, all day, every day. They pound the pavement, keep you upright, and even help you do fun things like jumping, skipping, and dancing.
But your feet aren’t infallible.
In fact, because of how much we rely on them, even small changes to our feet can lead to big consequences for our health and well-being.
Pain and discomfort in your feet can quickly lead to difficulty standing, walking, and getting around. And that can put a huge damper on your active life.
At City Step Podiatry, we specialize in treating active Chicago residents, professionals, and athletes. We know you don’t have time for anything to slow you down or put you on the sidelines of life.
That’s why Dr. Young specializes in assessing and treating conditions that impact your feet, toes, heels, and ankles. With expert knowledge, a wealth of experience, and cutting-edge tools and treatments, City Step Podiatry is committed to keeping Chicago on its feet.
Morton’s neuroma is a common foot issue that affects professionals and active folks more than most.
Still, you may never have heard this term before.
What is Morton's neuroma?
Ever heard the old story about the princess and the pea? It’s a perfect allegory for how a seemingly small thing can make you extremely uncomfortable.
It’s also akin to how many folks describe the feeling of a Morton’s neuroma.
When Dr. Young’s podiatry patients tell her they feel as if they have a stone in their shoe or are stepping on a marble—Morton’s neuroma is at the top of her list of diagnoses to investigate.
Other common signs and symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:
Pain and a burning sensation in the ball of the foot that may also spread to the toes
Toe numbness or tingling
Swelling between the toes
Pain when wearing high heels
Pain when standing or putting pressure on the balls of the feet
But what IS Morton's neuroma?!
If you’re in the healthcare field or have a passing interest in Latin, the suffix “-oma” may leave you a little concerned. That’s because you know this ending often refers to a tumor, such as those associated with cancer.
But let us reassure you—Morton's neuroma is not a tumor in the traditional sense. In any case, it’s benign.
Neuromas are benign tumors that can grow on nerves throughout the body. But Morton's neuroma is a bit different. Instead of extra tissue growing on a nerve, Morton’s neuroma is when a nerve in your foot swells and thickens.
The condition takes its name from the doctor who’s credited with first describing it, way back in the late 1800s: Dr. Thomas George Morton.
Ok, ready for some foot anatomy?
The bones of your feet include five bones in your forefoot (the part between your heels and your toes), called your metatarsals.
Your metatarsal bones form the bulk of the arches in your feet and play a vital role in your arch support, ability to move, and to bear weight when standing. They also function as a kind of rigid lever that helps you push off from the ground when walking or jumping.
Your metatarsals also contain many connection points for your feet’s ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
Speaking of those aforementioned nerves—your feet have nerves known as interdigital nerves. This means they run between (inter) your digits (in this case, your toes).
A Morton’s neuroma occurs when one of these interdigital nerves becomes inflamed. This inflammation leads to swelling and thickening, which causes the nerve to become sensitive and take up more space than usual. The result: pain and discomfort.
Now that you know what Morton's neuroma is, let’s explore why it happens and how it can be treated.
What causes Morton's neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a common foot condition and can affect as many as a third of people.
Despite being so common, it’s not always clear what causes Morton’s neuroma to occur.
Because it involves inflammation and swelling of the nerves in the feet, irritation to these nerves can cause it. Pressure on the toes and the balls of the feet is also believed to lead to this condition.
This prolonged pressure and irritation can come from many sources and activities, including:
Playing sports that involve lots of running, stranding, and pressure on the feet
Wearing high heels or shoes with narrow toe beds regularly or for long periods
Physical professions that involve a lot of standing, walking, or manual labor
Folks with certain foot conditions are also at higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. This includes people with:
High arches
Flat feet
Bunions
Hammertoes
Additionally, those with a history of foot trauma and injuries may be at increased risk for Morton’s neuroma.
If you develop a Morton’s neuroma, it’s important to pursue diagnosis and treatment. Left untreated, Morton's neuroma can get worse. This can lead to more pain for you and can even cause permanent nerve damage.
Thankfully, there are many ways to approach treatment for Morton’s neuroma to offer you healing and relief.
How is Morton's neuroma treated?
If you think Morton’s neuroma may be the cause of your foot pain, it’s crucial to reach out to your trusted podiatrist or healthcare provider for support.
Your podiatrist can typically diagnose you with Morton’s neuroma via a physical exam. This may involve observing you standing and walking and applying pressure to your affected area.
Your podiatrist will also examine your feet closely and ask you questions about your symptoms, when they started, and their severity.
In some cases, your podiatrist may want to take an X-ray of your foot. This can help them rule out other possible causes of your foot pain, such as a fracture or arthritis in the feet.
Once your podiatrist is certain you’re dealing with Morton’s neuroma, their treatment recommendations will focus on reducing and eliminating the inflammation of your affected nerve.
The good news is Morton’s neuroma treatment typically involves lifestyle changes versus surgical interventions.
Surgery is a possibility if lifestyle modifications don’t work, but the majority of cases of Morton's neuroma can be addressed with changes to your habits and routine. This is another reason why it’s wise to seek treatment quickly if you suspect your foot pain is due to this issue.
Lifestyle adjustments your podiatrist may recommend to treat your Morton’s neuroma include:
OTC pain relievers—these may include anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen sodium
Icing—this tried-and-true technique can reduce swelling and allow your nerves time to heal. Your podiatrist will give you instructions on how to ice your foot for optimal results.
Corticosteroids or cortisone shots—these require a prescription or a doctor’s visit but can help reduce inflammation.
Footwear changes—it may be wise to swear off those narrow toe beds and opt for footwear that features deep, wide toe boxes so your tootsies have room to spread out.
Another likely recommendation from your podiatrist to effectively treat Morton's neuroma is orthotics.
From over-the-counter shoe inserts to custom-made offerings, others can help relieve pressure on your feet and toes and promote the healing of your Morton’s neuroma.
City Step Podiatry is proud to offer custom orthotics to our valued patients. Make an appointment to drop by our convenient downtown Chicago office location to get assessed and fit for your own pair!
Not only can custom orthotics help heal Morton’s neuroma—they can also help keep a host of other foot issues at bay while delivering you the utmost in comfort and support.
For busy, active professionals, athletes, and people who are invested in their health and well-being—custom orthotics can be a game changer.
When you trust us with your care, you’ll get personalized, comprehensive podiatry services that always meet your needs and fit into your lifestyle and busy schedule.
Dr. Young knows what it’s like to be an active, on-the-go Chicagoan—and she’s dedicated to providing you with the support, guidance, and treatment options you deserve to feel your best and keep moving forward.
Don’t let foot pain stop you in your tracks. City Step Podiatry is here to deliver expert, customized podiatry care that exceeds your expectations. Book with us easily online, browse some of our cutting-edge treatments and services and be sure to stop by our blog regularly for up-to-date info and resources to keep you stepping strong.
City Step Podiatry is here for you! Reach out today to schedule your visit and treat your feet to the care they deserve.
