Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the nerve in the ball of the foot, typically between the third and fourth toes. It’s caused by a thickening of the tissue around the nerve, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations. While often described as a “tumor,” it’s actually a benign thickening of the nerve due to irritation or compression.
Symptoms:
Sharp, burning, or shooting pain in the ball of the foot.
A feeling like you’re walking on a pebble or something is in your shoe.
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the toes.
Pain that worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes.
Causes:
Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes.
Certain foot deformities like bunions or hammer toes.
High-impact activities or repetitive stress on the foot.
Being overweight.
Treatment:
Conservative measures: Changing footwear to wider shoes with better arch support, using orthotics, and padding the ball of the foot.
Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation.
Surgical removal: In some cases, the thickened nerve tissue may be surgically removed.
Diagnosis:
A doctor will examine your foot, feeling for tenderness and potentially using a physical exam to assess the location and severity of the pain.
Imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis, but are often not necessary.
Important Note: If you are experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, it’s crucial to consult with a doctor or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment.