Neuromas

Neuroma Specialist

in Los Angeles

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that results from the compression of a nerve in your foot. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area. Morton’s neuroma most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes.

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What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a nerve disorder that causes pain, tingling, and numbness in the toes. The condition is also called intermetatarsal neuralgia or plantar neuroma. Morton’s neuroma occurs when the nerve that extends from the base of the foot to the toes becomes compressed or pinched.

The condition is most common in women and usually affects people between the ages of 40 and 50. Morton’s neuroma often occurs in people that frequently wear high heels or tight shoes. The condition can also be caused by activities that pressure the foot, such as running, dancing, or playing tennis.

What are the symptoms of Morton's neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma symptoms worsen over time. These symptoms consist of:

• Standing or walking causes a sharp, stinging, or burning discomfort between the toes
• Swelling in the foot
• Your foot is tingling (like it’s on pins and needles) and numb
• Feel something under the ball of your foot, like a small pebble or a balled-up sock
• Pain that gets worse when you stand on the balls of your feet or wear high heels.

What causes Morton's neuroma?

The following factors could increase your risk of getting Morton’s neuroma:

• Foot shape: You may have instability at the toe joints if born with flat feet, high arches, or toes in an unusual position. Morton’s neuroma can result from that instability.
• Some medical issues: Morton’s neuroma risk is increased by a number of long-term foot conditions. Examples include hammertoes and bunions.
• Sports: Morton’s neuroma can develop when an athlete sustains a foot injury, which is very common.
• Shoe selection: Problems may arise if you wear heels that are more than 2 inches high. The same is true for shoes with pointy, thin, or tight-fitting toes. The toe movement is restricted by all of these shoes, which increase pressure on the balls of your feet.

How is Morton's neuroma diagnosed?

Morton’s neuroma is usually diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical examination. Dr. Elhiani will press on different areas of your foot to try to pinpoint the source of your pain. He may also recommend imaging tests, such as an MRI, to rule out other conditions.

How is Morton's neuroma treated?

The neuroma’s severity will determine how it is treated. There are numerous treatment methods available, ranging from self-care to professional therapy. To experience the best relief, you might require a combination of treatments.

Home Treatment

These actions could help your symptoms:

• Put on footwear with room for your toes to move around, low heels, and laces or buckles that let you adjust the width.
• Wear shoes with sturdy, shock-absorbing soles and insoles that are suitable for preventing excessive pressure on the foot.
• Avoid wearing high heels over two inches when possible since they put extra strain on the forefoot.
• Neuroma discomfort might be momentarily reduced by giving the foot some rest and massaging the affected area. Apply an ice pack to lessen the discomfort and help with pain management.
• Use over the counter shoe pads. These pads can reduce pressure in the area of the injured area.

Medications

Dr. Elhiani may suggest medications to help relieve any painful symptoms.

Medications may include:

• Injections like PRP or Stem Cells
• Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Surgery

Dr. Elhiani could advise foot surgery if medicine and other treatments have failed. The most common procedure for Morton’s neuroma is a neurectomy. This is where a portion of the nerve tissue is removed.

If you are experiencing Morton’s neuroma, it is important to see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. At Eazy Foot & Ankle, we offer treatments for Morton’s neuroma and other common foot conditions so you can get back to living life without pain.

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