A neuroma is a painful swelling of a pinched nerve in the body that is usually due to compression or mechanical irritation of the nerve. When present between your 3rd and 4th toes, it is known as Morton’s neuroma (which happens to be the most common location in the foot for this complication to occur). However, a neuroma can theoretically also present between any of the other toes in the foot. The interspace between the 2nd and 3rd toes happens to be the second most common location for a neuroma which is called Hauser’s neuroma. Patients usually describe the neuroma pain as if they are standing on a rolled up piece of sock or they feel as if a rock is stuck in their shoe. Some of the most common symptoms associated with this condition are sharp, burning pain within the ball of the foot; numbness and tingling of the adjacent toes can also present as symptoms.
Treatment:
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Custom orthotics – Custom inserts are developed by casting your foot in order to create the most perfect representation of your foot. Orthotics successfully support the weight of your body and distribute it through the arch and heel areas, effectively decreasing pressure to the ‘ball’ of the foot and thus providing pain relief and comfort.
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Wear shoes with a wider toe box.
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Use metatarsal or neuroma pads for shoes and insoles.
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Injections – Nerve blocks and/or cortisone injections can be very effective in reducing the pain and swelling of the affected nerve. Additional non-surgical options, such as shockwave Therapy for Treating Foot Pain, may be considered for persistent neuroma symptoms.
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Neuroma surgery –If all conservative options have been exhausted, surgery is considered. Surgery involves removing or decompressing the swollen, clumped up nerve between your toes.
If you have been suffering from some or all of these symptoms, please give us a call at 406-721-4007 so we can get you back on your feet pain free.