Morton’s neuroma affects around 30 percent of the American population despite not being a very well-known condition. The condition can present itself in various forms and has many different causes. This might be the reason that so many people are unaware that the pain in their feet has a name and can easily be treated.
Morton’s neuroma can eventually lead to the need for surgery on your feet, so it’s important to address the issue when it’s still treatable by preventative measures. Orthopedic specialists are particularly important in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma, so you’ll want to consult your doctor or do some research about orthopedic doctors in your area. Read along for more information about Morton’s neuroma and what you can do to relieve the pain in your feet.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
You might be wondering a little bit about this condition that is relatively unknown to the general public. The condition can cause those who develop it a lot of pain and should be checked out by a doctor as soon as symptoms arise to best combat it. But what exactly is this painful condition?
Well, the name is a bit misleading. A neuroma is technically a benign tumor that grows on a nerve, causing the nerve to develop new tissue. However, with Morton’s neuroma, there is no tumor present. Instead, nerves in the foot can thicken due to irritation caused by repeated pressure.
Because your feet are constantly in contact with the ground, repeated pressure can cause significant strain. Symptoms often start developing slowly and can get significantly worse as time passes.
What are the Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma?
There are a lot of signs that point to a person potentially having Morton’s neuroma. Some of the symptoms might not seem related to each other, but the following issues are all common manifestations of the condition.
Usually, Morton’s neuroma affects the ball of the foot between the fourth and fifth toes. However, it can also affect the ball of the foot between the second and third toes. Some people are more at risk for developing Morton’s neuroma than others. People with flat feet, bunions, and high arches are all conditions that can make a person particularly susceptible to developing Morton’s neuroma.
The sensations that you might experience with Morton’s neuroma have a range. For some, it feels as though you have a small rock in your shoe. Others experience numbness and tingling in their toes or the balls of their feet. Other symptoms include:
- pain and swelling in the area that gets worse over time
- a burning feeling in the ball of your foot
- cramped toes
- pain when walking
- potential difficulty walking due to pain
- and more!
Pain Between Toes 3 and 4
As stated above, having pain between your toes can be a sign that you’ve been experiencing Morton’s neuroma. While you’ll need a diagnosis from an orthopedic specialist, you’ll want to check out all of the symptoms to see if they line up with your pain.
Irritation is a huge part of Morton’s neuroma. If you have foot irritation that gets worse when wearing less than comfortable shoes like heels or narrow shoes with pointed toes, you could have this condition. Additionally, if you feel pain when spreading the toes around the affected area, you also might need to see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Your life can be greatly affected by Morton’s neuroma or any other painful foot condition. If you find yourself limiting your activity or needing to change your recreational pastimes due to worsening pain, you need to see a foot specialist. Any pain in your feet can easily become debilitating and leave you unable to engage in the activities you normally enjoy. Our feet are the foundation of our existence and quite literally help us get where we need to go in life.
More Morton’s Neuroma Signs and Symptoms
Morton’s neuroma is a common condition that can affect some people more than others. In fact, 80 percent of cases occur in women due to wearing narrow shoes and high heels. Others who play sports that have the players putting repetitive strain on the balls of their feet, like running, tennis, or basketball, are also predisposed to developing the condition.
It’s important that if you do experience any of these symptoms, you see a doctor. Preferably, you should see an orthopedic specialist to get the best accuracy in terms of diagnosis and treatment options. Getting diagnosed and treated for your condition is important because Morton’s neuroma can grow if left untreated. The consequence of further growth is the potential for permanent damage to the nerves in your feet.
Treatment options for Morton’s neuroma range from simply resting your feet and massaging them at the end of the day to wearing comfortable shoes like flats and open-toed footwear. Dietary changes can even help you recover, through eating foods that are less likely to be inflammatory to your system.
Book an Appointment Today
At Foot & Ankle Specialist of Illinois, we are avid believers in the idea that our feet are the literal representation of our potential in life. If you have a good base to support you through your daily activities, you’ll have a better quality of life. If you’re constantly limiting your activities to what your feet can physically handle due to pain, your quality of life drops.
Not only is it an inconvenience to your life to have feet that are constantly in pain, but it is also actively making your life worse. So whether you believe you have Morton’s neuroma or if you think there’s something else wrong with your feet, have a doctor take a look for you. Any type of foot pain is indicative of abnormal movement or activity and should be treated accordingly.
Don’t let the pain in your feet stop you from doing the things that you love. Allow yourself to make the most of your life by treating your pain. Visit our website for more information about different types of foot conditions or to book an appointment today.
