Morton ™s Neuroma, Nerve Entrapment “ in the Foot
Do you experience pain to the ball of your foot, or between your toes? There are a number of causes for this, and in this blog, we™re looking to discuss one of them – Morton™s Neuroma also known as œplantar neuroma or œinterdigital neuroma, is a growth or swelling of the nerve tissuesupplying the toe(s). Your Podiatrist (formerly known in some countries as a chiropodist) is here to help by diagnosing and treating your foot pain. A neuroma is a benign growth of nerve tissue that can develop in various parts of the body. In the case of the toes, although called a neuroma, it is more a fibroma (fibrous tissue formation around nerve tissue). Either way it is a painful or tender mass on one of the plantar interdigital nerves of the foot. What are the symptoms? Symptoms vary between each individual but are generally between the toes (most often the 3rd & 4th toes) or at the ball of the foot. Common symptoms include: * Feeling as if you are walking or standing on pebbles * Sharp burning pain *Tingling or prickling, otherwise known as Pins and needles, in the toe(s) *Numbness or œdead feeling in the toe(s) *Pain in the ball of the foot *Acute or chronic intermittent pain that increases when walking. What can cause Morton™s Neuroma? You might be more at risk of developing Morton™s Neuroma if… Your foot biomechanics – œhigh arched or œflat foot are more at risk for example (a Podiatrists specialising in biomechanics can assess you for this) Toe complaints such as bunions, claw or hammer toes. Footwear: High heeled shoes and a narrow, tight toe box will increase pressure on the forefoot and nerves between the toes Footwear with poor retaining medium (e.g. no straps or laces) such as flip flops and ballet pumps. This forces the toes to contract and work to keep the shoes on your feet, even if you™re not conscious of it. This in turn leads to an increase in the force absorbed through the toes. High impact sporting activities, including; Tennis, Squash and Running. Injury/trauma to the forefoot / toes. What should you do if you think you have Morton™s Neuroma? Your biomechanics Podiatrist will examine your foot and locate the affected nerve. A through consultation will aim to identify the exact cause of your pain, (including a thorough biomechanical assessment), locate any underlying tissue mass (MRI and/or X-RAY may be required) and rule out other causes. She can then create a tailored treatment plan for you, which may include footwear advice and recommendations depending on your lifestyle and activities and custom prescription orthotic therapy to correct any underlying biomechanical cause. If you are experiencing pain to your feet, don™t suffer in silence. Our Podiatrists are biomechanics specialists, UK degree qualified and trained, and UK and DHA licensed. As the UAE™s leading foot and leg specialists, we are here to get you back on your feet and with your quality of life improved “ appointments can be booked with our specialists on +971 4 3435390.
