Does standing or walking send jolts of pain through your foot? You may have Morton's neuroma, one of the foot and ankle conditions treated by your foot doctor in Vineland, NJ, Dr. Jeffrey Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists.
What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton's neuroma occurs when the tissue that surrounds a nerve in your toes thickens and becomes inflamed. The condition usually develops between the third and fourth toes.
What are the symptoms of Morton's neuroma?
If you have Morton's neuroma, you may experience:
- Foot Pain: Burning pain may travel from your toes to the ball of your foot.
- Numbness: Numbness or tingling in the front part of your foot can occur if you've been standing or walking for a long time.
- Swelling: The area between your toes may become noticeably swollen.
- Foreign Body Sensation: It may feel as if you have a pebble stuck in your shoe, even though there's nothing there.
You may be more likely to get Morton's neuroma if:
- You wear high heels, tight shoes, or any shoes that increase pressure on the fronts of your feet.
- You have a foot condition, such as flat feet, bunions, hammertoes, or a foot deformity.
- You run or play tennis.
- You injured your foot.
How is Morton's neuroma treated?
Shoe changes may help reduce your pain. Swap your high heels or tight shoes for lower-heeled shoes that cushion your foot and offer plenty of room in the toe area. Choose shoes with a 2' heel or lower. The higher the heel, the more pressure on the front of your foot.
If changing the type of shoes you wear doesn't relieve your symptoms, make an appointment with your foot doctor at the Vineland, NJ, podiatry office. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, he may recommend anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections, or orthotics.
Prescription orthotics are custom-designed for your foot. They offer plenty of cushioning, keep your feet properly aligned in your shoes, and reduce pressure on your feet when you stand and walk.
Most people don't need surgery, but the removal of the nerve may be the best option if your symptoms don't improve after trying conservative treatments.
Don't let foot pain keep you from enjoying life! Call your Vineland, NJ, foot doctor, Dr. Belancio of South Jersey Foot and Ankle Specialists at (856) 839-0579 to schedule an appointment.