What Is Morton's Neuroma?

A chiropodist can help you with a variety of conditions that affect the feet, including Morton's neuroma. A neuroma is the thickening of nerve tissue in the body, with Morton's neuroma happening in the ball of the foot. Irritation of the nerve between the third and fourth toes causes Morton's neuroma. Patients experience pain while walking, with a burning, tingling, or numbness.

Developing Morton's Neuroma
There isn't any known cause for Morton's neuroma. There are a few factors that can increase your risk. These risk factors include:
- Trauma or injury to the foot, damaging the nerve and resulting in swelling.
Improper footwear, like shoes that squeeze the foot together. High heels also increase pressure on the vulnerable areas.
- Repeated stress to the feet through physical activities or exercise. Common with patients who are always on their feet due to their job.
- Abnormal biomechanics (flat feet, high arches). These lead to instability throughout the foot.
The most important thing that your chiropodist recommends is wearing comfortable shoes. You don't want anything that squeezes or hurts. Always wear athletic shoes when engaging in any physical activity.

How to Treat Morton's Neuroma at Home
Start by finding shoes that give your toes lots of room and are easily adjustable. The soles need to be shock-absorbent and thick. This keeps the pressure off the feet. You should also invest in shoe inserts or soles recommended by your chiropodist. Lastly, please pay attention to your feet and their pain levels. When your Morton's neuroma starts to act up, take a minute to rest. Take off your shoe and massage the area. An ice pack brings down the swelling too.

Talking to Your Chiropodist
You should schedule an appointment with your chiropodist as soon as you experience foot problems. Morton's neuroma gets worse without treatment. Identifying the neuroma early on can prevent needing aggressive treatment options like surgery.

For early forms of Morton's neuroma, changing your shoes is enough to relieve your symptoms. Your chiropodists' goal for early treatment is to relieve pressure from the affected area. After going through a physical examination and having X-rays done, your chiropodist creates a treatment plan that works for you.

There are a few different options that can work for you:
Taping and padding: This is a select type of tape and bandage that you place at the bottom of the foot. Taping and padding help with your symptoms.
Orthotics: These are the custom shoes that your chiropodist can create for you.
Medication: Cortisone injections reduce the pain and inflammation in the foot. Anti-inflammatory drugs also reduce your swelling.
Surgery is the last resort for treatment. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The injured nerve is removed, and recovery takes a few weeks.

Our Location

5 Swan Lake Boulevard, Unit 10 Markham, Ontario L6E 0K7

Clinic Hours

Open Evenings & Weekends

Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-7:30 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment Only

Sunday:

Closed