You can have a condition that gives you the feeling of standing on a pebble inside your shoe. New York neuroma is characterized by the development of thick, inflamed tissue around a nerve connected to any of your toes. This condition occurs especially in the middle of the third and fourth toes.
Because the dense tissue compresses the nerve of your toe, you will have intense pain in the ball of your feet. Moreover, the toe affected by tissue thickening can have a burning sensation and feel numb.
Generally, Morton’s Neuroma develops due to the constant wearing of high-heeled shoes. High-heeled shoes, or high heels, put much pressure on your feet’s balls or toes. That can lead to progressive thickening of the tissues adjacent to the nerves of your toes. For that reason, women are more at risk of Morton’s Neuroma than men.
Still, you can also develop Morton’s neuroma because of unstable joints in your toes, such as when you have flat feet. Foot disorders like bunions and hammertoes make you more susceptible to an intermetatarsal neuroma. Below are treatment options for Morton’s neuroma.
- Avoid too-tight shoes
Avoid shoes that feel tighter and thus put extra pressure on the tissues of your toes, leading to Morton’s neuroma. Wear shoes that provide adequate space for the movement of your toes without irritating the tissues in the balls of your feet.
Use custom-made insoles or shoe pads that protect the tissues of your feet against potential pressure from shoes worn.
- Get enough rest
When your doctor has diagnosed you with Morton’s neuroma, getting adequate rest can relieve its symptoms. Resting means you do not wear shoes or engage in activities like running that can further inflame your condition.
Even as you benefit from resting, you can rely on a massage therapist to improve circulation around the affected toes.
- Tape the affected toe
Taping the toe’s upper part can restrict its free movement and expansion. Since the affected toe’s movement is restricted, especially when walking, that can help reduce pressure from the compressed, painful nerve. As a result, you will get pain relief.
There are different techniques for taping the feet to relieve symptoms of Morton’s neuroma. Consult with a foot and ankle specialist to learn the taping techniques you can use.
Remember, taping should not be too tight to avoid increased pressure and pain in your toes. Furthermore, wearing a sock can strengthen the tape’s effectiveness in compressing your toe.
- Medications
Your doctor can prescribe oral medications or injections if you have a painful condition unresponsive to conservative treatments. Injections and oral medications can eliminate the pain and swelling that Morton’s neuroma causes.
- Surgery
A surgeon often recommends surgery when other less invasive or non-invasive treatments do not provide substantial relief against Morton’s neuroma. A surgical procedure will remove the irritated nerve from your foot, relieving pressure and pain.
You can prevent Morton’s neuroma by avoiding activities like running or rock climbing that can inflame the tissues of the feet. Also, wear roomy shoes.
Contact Kenneth Meisler, DPM, PLLC & Associates, today to book a consultation with Morton’s neuroma specialist.