Morton's Neuroma

In this post we will discuss Neuromas and the treatment plan. A neuroma is a swollen and inflammed nerve. Morton's Neuroma refers to a Neuroma inbetween the knuckles in the foot, most commonly inbetween the 3rd and 4th toes. The nerve is being pinched by the knuckles in the ball of the foot causing pain and swelling of the nerve. Neuroma's can be very painful. People describe Neuroma pain as being a burning and sharp pain in the ball of the foot, and often shooting into the adjacent toes. It can worsen throughout the day but will often ache even at rest. Certain shoes can make the symptoms worse. Shoes that are too narrow by design or by size, or have a tappered toe box, are often part of the reason why the neuroma developed in the first place.

Treatment

1) Wear wider shoes: When we are standing or walking, the forefoot actually spreads out and if shoes prevent our foot from spreading a little bit, then the nerves inbetween the knuckles can be pinched. This can lead to repetitive trauma of the nerve leading to swelling and inflammation and ultimately pain. This is why certain shoes will make the symptoms worse than others. If there are shoes that cause more pain, then stop wearing those shoes. Only wear shoes that are wide, with rounded toe boxes. Appropriate shoes can reduce the daily repetitive trauma that can occur when wearing shoes that are too narrow. To see a selection of appropriate shoes, both athletic and walking shoes, click the link "Shoes For Foot Pain" found above.

2) Ice: ice can be helpful in reducing the swelling and the inflammation around the nerve. Ice massage can be done by massaging ice around the ball of the foot for 15-20 minutes (no longer) 2 to 3 times per day for 2-4 weeks as needed. Ice massage is more effective than just using a bag of ice or something similar. To see helpful devices for performing ice massage click "Products For Foot Pain" link found above. The Cryocup and the Protec Ice massage devices are great for this.

3) Oral Anti-inflammatories : ibuprofen , and Naproxen Sodium (Alieve) as recommended on the bottles can help reduce the swelling and pain and help the nerve heal. Do not take for long periods of time.

4) Medical treatment: the above should be done faithfully for several weeks or even months everyday to help the nerve heal. It can't be done once in a while. It must be done everyday until the pain is gone. If unable to resolve the neuroma pain, seek medical attention with a local physician. Medical treatment may include cortisone type injections, prescription medications, sclerosing injections, and possible surgery in difficult cases.