If you feel like you’re standing on a pebble or have a painful burning sensation in your foot, Morton’s neuroma may be the cause. Board-certified podiatrist Bruni Leka, DPM, diagnoses and treats neuromas at her practice, Foot and Ankle Excellence, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. For accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of Morton’s neuroma, call or book an appointment online today.
A neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) growth of nerve tissue that puts pressure on the nerve. Neuromas can develop in various parts of your body. A Morton’s neuroma is the most common neuroma to affect the foot. Sometimes called an intermetatarsal neuroma, a Morton’s neuroma occurs between the third and fourth toes.
Neuromas develop when pressure irritates the nerve. One of the most common sources of this type of pressure is wearing shoes that are narrow or tapered in the toe box. High heels can also force your toes into the front of your shoes and create excess pressure.
Other risk factors for Morton’s neuroma include:
In addition to high heels and fancy footwear, activities that require tight-fitting shoes, like rock climbing, can also put too much pressure on your toes and forefoot.
A Morton’s neuroma usually doesn’t cause any noticeable outward signs, such as a lump or discoloration. Instead, a neuroma may cause the following symptoms:
Neuromas usually don’t go away on their own. It’s best to see Dr. Leka early on before your symptoms worsen and require surgery. Schedule an appointment at Foot and Ankle Excellence if you experience any type of foot pain that doesn’t improve within a few days.
First, Dr. Leka thoroughly reviews your symptoms and examines your foot. She may press on your foot to try to recreate symptoms and take imaging tests, like an on-site digital X-ray.
Then, she develops an individualized treatment plan for you. Mild to moderate neuromas may improve with nonsurgical treatments, including:
If your condition is severe or doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary.
Don’t delay treatment for any type of foot pain. If you suspect you have a neuroma, call Foot and Ankle Excellence or book an appointment online today.
