Orthotic Shoe Inserts and Their Role in Treating Mortons Neuroma

Mortons Neuroma: Common Symptoms

A neuroma is identified by a noncancerous growth of nerve tissue that is capable of growing in any part of the body. Mortons Neuroma is a condition in which compression occurs to the nerve located between the third and fourth metatarsal bones in the foot, causing hardening of this nerve tissue. As the nerve is compressed, symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the toes start to occur. These symptoms tend to become more evident when there is weight placed on the ball of the foot, producing a noticeable amount of pain.

A Trigger for Mortons Neuroma

Causes of Mortons Neuroma are not unequivocally clear, but anything that squeezes this nerve can result in the thickening of this tissue. Wearing high-heeled shoes that can constrict the toes can be a cause of Mortons Neuroma. Also, having flat feet can cause the metatarsals to lower, which creates pressure on this nerve. Other causes can be irritation of the nerve or injury, which all can cause the thickening of the tissue.

Triggers for Metatarsal Pain

Metatarsal pain is another foot condition that presents itself as pain in the this area. This problem is common among women who wear high heels, or people who wear shoes with no cushion or arch support. A weakened foot structure can cause the bones in the foot to drop. We can experience pain when we wear shoes that do not provide the proper support and cushion. Also, people that suffer from over-pronation can experience metatarsal pain in the ball of their feet. A condition called over-pronation occurs when the ankles tend to roll inward and can lead to a painful arch.

How to Identify and Relieve Mortons Neuroma

To properly treat this condition, one must get a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist will tend to examine the foot by pressing on the area of pain, squeezing the toes and pressing into the space between the third and fourth toes. In some cases, he or she may be able to feel the neuroma. The doctor may also try pushing on the painful area and squeezing the entire foot at the same time to elicit a clicking noise, which is called Mulder’s sign. If the doctor cannot verify a neuroma, he or she can use other tools such as an x-ray to discard the possibility of any broken bones. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows physicians to clearly diagnose a neuroma.

Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma can include several options, from resting the foot to surgery. In many cases the doctor will try the most conservative treatments first. These include resting the feet, wearing more comfortable shoes and trying arch support insoles to improve arch support. Orthotic arch supports also help distribute your weight more evenly over the entire foot, placing less pressure on the ball of the foot. In many cases you will see an improvement by using a combination of these conservative treatments. In severe cases, where these options are not helpful, your doctor may prescribe injections to attempt to decrease the size of the neuroma. In extreme situations, surgery may be the only feasible option.

Taking care of our feet is an extremely important factor in our overall health and well-being. If you suffer from intense foot pain, it is recommended to have a physician examine your feet as soon as possible in order to determine the cause.