Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the nerve in the ball of the foot. When the toes are squeezed together too often and for too long, the nerve that runs between the toes can swell and get thicker. This condition can make it painful when walking and it can feel like you are standing on needles in your shoes. This condition can get worse if the conditions that gave rise to it are not changed. Improper footwear such as well as tight shoes or high heels are often the reasons this condition.
A change in footwear is often the best solution. Orthopedic shoes with its wide toes box and typical low heels are ideal for morton’s neuroma sufferers. Custom orthotics with modifications can also help.
Morton’s neuroma is a swollen or thickened nerve in the ball of your foot. When your toes are squeezed together too often and for too long, the nerve that runs between your toes can swell and get thicker. This swelling can make it painful when you walk on that foot. High-heeled, tight, or narrow shoes can make pain worse. Sometimes, changing to shoes that give your toes more room can help.
Causes
- Compression or restriction of the nerve. Anything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box, or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box.
- Certain foot deformities. Bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet, or more flexible feet are all at higher risk for developing a neuroma.
- Repetitive activity causing irritation. Activities that involve repetitive irritation to the ball of the foot, such as running or court sports.
- Injury. Injury or trauma to the area may also lead to a neuroma
Treatments we provide
- Custom Orthotics fitted with a metatarsal pad that spread the toes to keep them from squeezing the nerve.
- Shoes with wide width providing plenty of room in the toe box area for the toes to rest comfortably.
- The application of cold pack or ice
- Foot massage to relax the muscles around the nerve.