Apart from the most common types of foot pain, nerve swelling or inflammation is another issue that many of us have to deal with. Such is the case for a disorder known as Morton’s Nueroma.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Defined as a non-cancerous inflammation of the nerve, Morton’s Neuroma attacks the very nerve that is responsible for triggering sensations in your toes. Once the swelling takes place, the nerve’s surrounding tissues and ligaments become aggravated resulting in further irritation and soreness. Over time, this tenderness will inevitably lead to abnormal sensations in your toes that can range from numbness to shooting pains.
How Does Morton’s Neuroma Develop?
Also referred to as a forefoot neuroma, this condition typically targets the areas in between the 3rd and 4th toes. Although more prevalent in women owed to their innate love for pointed stilettos and high heels that adds pressure and strain to the forefoot, men may also be predisposed to this condition especially if they are overweight or lead highly active lifestyles.
What are the Symptoms of Mortons Neuroma?
Generally, Morton’s Neuroma is accompanied with burning sensation, numbness and nagging pains that run from the second to the fourth toes all the way to its tips. Some patients even describe a pebble like sensation in between their toes.
How can it be prevented?
To reduce your chances of getting a Morton’s Neuroma, you first need to trade your uncomfortable high heels and stilettos for comfier flats and sneakers. As these shoes give your toes enough space to move and breathe, they can significantly help sidestep this disorder.
How is Mortons Neuroma treated?
In order to begin treatment for your Morton’s Neuroma, you first need to consult with a podiatrist who can accurately assess the gravity of your condition along with the most suitable therapy for you. Depending on the severity of your condition, your physician may advise any of these treatment options:
- Good Shoes – A switch to more comfortable shoes that allows for better support and wider toe boxes. When opting for heels, never go beyond 1 ½ inches.
- Metatarsal Pads – To relieve your forefoot area from the constant strain and pressure, the use of metatarsal pads may also be advised.
- Orthotics – With the swelling that goes with this condition, it is necessary to wear orthotic inserts to help restore your balance.
- Medication – To counter the pain, anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen is also commonly prescribed.
- Injections – In some cases, a physician may also recommend the use of corticoseriod or anesthetic injections to mask the pain.
- Surgery – Best reserved for patients who fail to respond to the more conservative treatments, going under the knife works to remove the affected nerve.
Due to the sensitivity of the nerves, the treatment duration for Morton’s Neuroma may range from a few weeks to a number of months depending on the extent of damage on the affected nerve.
Ideal Feet’s Solution to Morton’s Neuroma Pain Relief
When your heels hurt from Morton’s Neuroma, it is important to keep stress and excessive pressure off of your heels to allow the fascia to heal properly. The fascia generally becomes inflamed when the bones, joints and arches of the feet are not properly aligned. Ideal Feet products balance the foot on all four arches, taking the pressure off of the heel, which gives you relief from heel pain.