If foot swelling and pain is localized in the ball of the foot, Morton’s neuroma is the likely cause. It requires diagnosis and treatment by a foot doctor to prevent further discomfort and related complications. Here's what you should know about Morton’s neuroma here, including what treatment options are available. 

What Are the Symptoms?

Morton's neuroma occurs because of nerve swelling between the toes, typically the third and fourth ones. The pain often feels like there is a pebble in your shoe or as though you are walking on a marble. As tissue thickens around the affected nerve, burning, stinging, and numbing sensations can result. The burning pain usually radiates from the ball of the foot, while numbness is felt in the toes. Pain is usually worse when you are standing, especially when wearing high-heeled or tight-fitting footwear that increases nerve pressure. 

What Causes It?

Morton’s neuroma is a benign, or noncancerous, growth from swelling tissue around a foot nerve. Inflammation occurs because of severe compression or pressure between the toes that causes nerve irritation and swelling. Individuals with flat feet, usually positioned toes, or high arches are at greater risk of this foot condition because of related toe joint instability. Pressure from bunions and hammertoes also increases the risk of Morton’s neuroma, as does wearing narrow-toed, tight-fitting shoes. 

Athletes are at greater risk of foot nerve swelling, especially those who run frequently. Football, tennis, and basketball are among the sports requiring athletes to run and subsequently put pressure on the balls of their feet. 

How Can It Be Treated?

Treating Morton’s neuroma typically starts with footwear changes, such as switching to supportive, soft shoes with wide toe boxes. Custom orthotics from a foot doctor lift and separate the toe bones to relieve nerve irritation, with frequent foot massages also providing relief. You can also apply ice packs and rest your feet, since standing and running put pressure on foot balls. 

Additional pain management options include steroid injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery may be required severe cases, which involves cutting nearby ligaments to relieve nerve pressure or removing the affected nerve entirely. 

If you need a diagnosis for Morton’s neuroma, make an appointment with Louise E. Tortora, DPM. Serving Fairfield, CT, and the surrounding areas, this foot doctor provides a full suite of services, including foot surgery at Bridgeport Hospital. Call (203) 254-0093 to schedule your appointment or visit the foot doctor online to learn more.