MORTON’S NEUROMA
Morton’s neuroma is a non-cancerous growth of the nerve tissue that usually develops in the ball of the foot, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It is a very painful condition causing sharp, shooting, burning pain with a sensation that feels like standing on a pebble.
CAUSES
Morton’s neuroma occurs as an irritation to pressure or injury on one of the nerves that leads to the toes. Risk factors include:
- Wearing, tight pointed, high heels
- Certain sports like high impact athletic activities, such as jogging and running
- Foot deformities, like flat feet, high arches, bunions or hammer toes
SYMPTOMS
Usually there are no outward signs of the conditions like a lump or skin changes. Common symptoms include:
- Feeling like standing on a pebble in the shoe
- Burning pain in the ball of the foot radiating to the toes
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
TREATMENTS
Patients with Morton’s neuroma will usually have to change their footwear. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, and the amount of time the condition has been present, they may be offered treatments like:
- Steroid injections
- Alcohol sclerosing injections
- Surgery