“The pain in my foot never bothered me much. Gradually, however, the pain became worse and now it’s persistent. I feel a burning sensation, accompanied by numbness. When I finally get off of my feet at the end of the day, the pain is excruciating. The only relief I get is when I remove my shoe and massage my foot.”
Does this sound familiar? These are typical symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, which is an irritated, swollen nerve usually located in the ball of the foot, most often between the base of the third and forth toes. Unfortunately, unless it is medically treated, symptoms continue to grow worse. If you suffer from these symptoms, a visit to a podiatrist is a must.
There are several factors that cause a localized irritation of the nerve that contribute to the development of a neuroma. Women who have worn high-heeled shoes for several years may develop these symptoms. For men, it is more likely to appear if you kneel or climb ladders frequently, or wear constricting shoes. Repetitive trauma from activities such as aerobics, tennis, basketball or running can precipitate the onset of this condition. Trauma from foot injuries, including fractures and sprains, may also progress into a neuroma.
Diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma is based on symptoms described by the patient along with a medical examination. The exam must rule out other disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, stress fractures, diabetic neuropathy and referred pain from the back. Tenderness is reproduced when specific areas of the foot are touched. It’s not uncommon for the podiatrist to feel a mass, which is the neuroma.
Once your podiatrist has determined it is a neuroma, treatment will begin with conservative padding and strapping of the foot. Orthotic devices, anti-inflammatories, physical therapy and steroid injections can be beneficial. Your podiatrist will also usually recommend changing your shoe type. In chronic cases, a surgical procedure of the involved nerve mass provides the best relief. It is essential to see your podiatrist if you are experiencing the symptoms discussed above because early diagnosis and treatment of neuromas increases the likelihood of conservative treatment working.
Dr. Robert Abrams, DPM, is medical director of the FootCare Center of Santa Clarita. He can be reached at 661-253-3668. You can also visit his website at www.killerfeet.net .