Ball Of Your Foot Sore? You May Have A Morton's Neuroma....

Experiencing pins and needles or numbness in your toes? Feels like you’re standing on a stone? No, you're not going crazy, but you may have a Morton’s neuroma in the front of your foot. Now, before you go and do a quick Google search, we’ll provide you with some information about this condition and how we can help you to overcome it!

WHAT IS A MORTON'S NEUROMA?

A Morton’s neuroma is a thickening and/or irritation of a nerve in the ball of the foot. In most cases, the web space between the 3rd and 4th toes is affected.

Morton's neuroma.jpg

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

You may experience one or a combination of the following symptoms:

  • Pins and needles

  • Numbness

  • Burning

  • Feels like you’re standing on a stone

The discomfort is usually localised but can radiate into the toes.

WHAT CAUSES A MORTON'S NEUROMA?

It usually isn't caused by one factor alone but a combination of the following:

  • Tight footwear

  • High-heeled shoes

  • Foot structure

  • Foot function

  • Muscle tightness

  • Muscle weakness

  • Standing for long periods of time

  • Sports that require you to put a lot of pressure on the balls of your feet

High heels.jpg

HOW CAN WE HELP?

There are many treatment options that we can offer to assist you. Initially, we focus on getting the pain to settle down. This usually involves:

  • Activity modification advice (doing less of the things that aggravate the pain and more of the things that don't)

  • Footwear assessment and advice

  • Using a soft pad to take the pressure off the sensitive region

  • Taking pain-relieving medication for a short period of time

Longer-term treatment options include:

  • Using orthotics to reduce the pressure on the painful region and improve foot function

  • Reducing muscle tightness and improving muscle strength

  • Getting a pain-relieving cortisone injection

Off the shelf orthoses

Does this sound familiar? If it does, you'd better get on the front foot (pun intended) to stop this from becoming a chronic problem. For individual advice regarding your feet, feel free to contact us or book an appointment online.

Author: Dion Vallianos