Morton’s Neuroma is a nerve related condition that causes pain mainly on the sole of your foot around your 3rd/4th toe.
Overtime there is a thickening of the nerve tissue around that area which leads to this problem developing. This is a degenerative condition that can get worse if left untreated.
You can see the thickening of the Morton’s neuroma region on the picture above.
How Is Morton’s Neuroma caused?
There are a few main reasons why you may experience Morton’s Neuroma.
- Frequent use of high heeled shoes can lead to increased pressure on the toes and sole of the foot
- Sports or activities that involve high impact to the foot/toes e.g basketball, running, jogging, ballet.
- A result of other foot problems – People that have suffered from other foot deformities such as bunions may also experience Morton’s Neuroma.
What are the symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma?
- Pain around the area shown in the image
- Numbness/Tingling/Burning along the sole of the foot
- A feeling of stepping on a pebble or stone around that area
What treatments are available for Morton’s Neuroma & What can I do?
If you think you have Hallux Rigidus these are your options moving forwards:
- Decrease the use of high heeled uses and wear flatter shoes or shoes with more support
- Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may help to reduce inflammation/pain around the area
- Decrease intensity/frequency of all impact activities to allow the area to heal
- See a medical practitioner/seek treatments that reduce inflammation around the area. These could include; Ultrasound, Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy or Massage.
- If you have tried all the above methods with still no relief sometimes surgery is required.
Sometimes it can be difficult to self diagnose an injury such as Morton’s Neuroma. So please if you are unsure contact a medical practitioner to assess your problem and recommend a future treatment plan.
