Morton's Neuroma: Symptoms, Main Causes and Therapy Using Orthotic Insoles
Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma is characterized by a noncancerous swelling of nerve tissue that is capable of growing in any part of the body. Morton's Neuroma is a condition in which compression occurs to the nerve located between the third and fourth metatarsal bones in the foot, triggering hardeining of this nerve tissue. As the nerve is compressed, symptoms such as tingling and numbness of the toes start to occur. These symptoms are more noticeable when there is weight placed on the ball of the foot, producing a noticeable amount of pain.
What Causes Morton's Neuroma?
Causes of Morton's 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, it is possible that the condition of flat feet can cause the metatarsals to fall, which creates pressure on this nerve. Thickening of this tissue can also be caused by irritation to the nerve or injury.
A Common Cause of Ball Of Foot Pain
Metatarsal pain is another foot condition that presents itself as pain in the this area. This condition is a frequent occurrence among women who wear high-heeled shoes, 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 overpronation can experience metatarsalgia in the ball of their feet. A condition called over-pronation occurs when the ankles tend to roll inward and can lead to arch pain.
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 gap between the third and fourth toes. In some cases, he or she may be able to feel the neuroma. Doctors can also try to elicit Mulder’s sign, a clicking noise, by pushing on the area of pain. If the doctor unable to feel a neuroma, he or she can utilize other methods such as an x-ray to discount the possibility of any broken bones. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows physicians to clearly diagnose a neuroma.
Morton’s Neuroma treatments can comprise anything, from resting the foot to surgery. Most doctors will use conservative treatments first. Conservative treatments include resting the feet, wearing more comfortable shoes and trying orthotics to improve arch support. Arch support inserts also help distribute your weight more evenly over the entire foot, relieving the 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 do not work, 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 are suffering from chronic foot pain, it is best to have a doctor examine your feet as soon as possible in order to determine the cause.
Filed under Foot Health by admin
