What is Morton’s Neuroma?
If you have pain in the ball of your foot, between your third and fourth toes, you may have Morton's neuroma. This condition develops when tissue thickens around a nerve that leads to your toes. It causes sharp and burning foot pain. Sometimes, Morton’s neuroma also makes your toes sting, feel numb or develop a burning pain.
Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms
With this condition, your foot looks like it always does because Morton’s neuroma causes no visible symptoms. But you do experience the type of pain we just described: burning pain in the ball of your foot or toes, which may also lead to numb toes. It may feel like you’ve got a pebble stuck in your shoe. Some people describe the feeling like standing on a wrinkled sock.
What Causes Ball of Foot Pain?
If you irritate, injure or put too much pressure on the nerves leading to your toe, you could develop Morton's neuroma. How do those injuries happen? The factors below can increase your risk.
Wearing high heels. When you put on stilettos, that shifts your center of gravity, putting more pressure on the ball of your foot. Pointy-toed shoes are also a problem because they pinch your forefoot, adding to the pressure.
Running and skiing. Both these sports put extra pressure on the balls of your feet. Running does so because your feet pound the pavement. Tight ski boots put pressure on your entire foot, including your toes. But any high impact sport puts your feet at risk for a neuroma.
The structure of your foot. Conditions like hammertoes and bunions change the biomechanics of your foot, putting more pressure on the front of your foot. And high or low arches (flat feet) can also affect the way your weight is distributed across your foot, increasing your risk.
Diagnosing and Treating Ball of Foot Pain
At our Westfield podiatry practice, we will perform a thorough foot exam to diagnose your Morton’s neuroma. Once we’ve diagnosed the problem, we’ll begin with conservative neuroma treatments such as orthotics to offload the painful area and a cortisone injection as well as education on proper footwear. MLS Laser Therapy may also be an option.
For some people, these minimally invasive treatments will deliver pain relief. Some patients will need surgery. But first, we always try less invasive treatments.
Ready to find relief for that burning ball of foot pain? We’re here to help. Just schedule a consultation with our Westfield podiatrist today, so you can get back to walking comfortably!
Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic