What You Need To Know About Morton's Neuroma

We get a lot of question about what is Morton's neuroma, but it can be summed up by nerve compression. Morton’s neuroma pain is a result of nerve irritation or compression in the sole of the foot. The nerves to the toes run on the plantar (bottom-side) of the foot between the toes. These may be compressed by the adjacent bones or the ligament holding the bones together.

This ligament sits on top of the nerve and can compress the nerve and cause pain. This nerve pain is often felt between the toes but radiates into the toes of the feet, making it painful to walk, stand, or exercise.

The resulting pain or discomfort can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:

Feeling as though there is a pebble or marble in your shoe
A tingling or numbing sensation in the toes
Burning or sharp pain in the affected area, between the toes or in the ball of the foot

4 Common Causes of Morton's Neuroma

Ill Fitting Shoes

Tight or ill fitting shoes can place excess pressure on the ball of the foot. This excess pressure can lead to damage or injury to the nerves. This condition is not uncommon in those that wear high heels on a daily basis.

Inflammation

Morton's neuroma can be caused by inflammation of the nerves located between the metatarsal bones. Inflammation of the nerve causes a compressive neuropathy.

Standing for Long Periods of Time

Standing in the same position for long periods of time can cause compression to the nerves. Jobs that require standing for many hours at a time like cashiering, hair dressing, and cooking have higher risks of developing this condition.

Damage or Injury

Injury and other foot trauma is also a common cause of morton's meuroma. The damage or injury does not have to be a traumatic injury to cause Morton's neuroma, it is more often caused by repeated stressful motions like in sports.

WHAT ARE YOUR NEXT STEPS FOR RELIEVING MORTON'S NEUROMA PAIN?

AT WELL THEORY, OUR GOAL IS TO HELP YOU CURATE A LIFE LIVED WELL

– IN A LASTING, HOLISTIC WAY.

1. RICE Method

This method stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Give your feet time to relax after a long day on your feet. Apply ice to the area, wear compression socks to help with swelling, and elevate your feet. This is a simple way to help fight pain and inflammation at home.

2. Massage therapy

Massage therapy can stimulate blood flow to the nerve and improve its ability to function appropriately. It will also break up thickenings and knots in the connective tissue of the feet. However, massage therapy for Morton’s neuroma relief should be performed by a professional that is experienced with treating this condition. If the massage is performed incorrectly, it can actually aggravate the nerve further.

3. healthy lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy weight can keep excess pressure off your feet. Make sure to eat balanced diet, like the Mediterranean Diet, of lean proteins and veggies and incorporate physical activity into your routine. Make sure to avoid high impact exercise if you find this makes the pain worse. Trade running for cycling or swimming to get your heart rate up and burn some calories without adding trauma to your feet or knees.

4. physical therapy

Your physical therapist can strengthen your gait and find appropriate footwear to keep pressure off of your neuroma.

Also, specific muscles and tendons that are tight and add to the nerve compression pain can be made looser by an excellent physical therapist. They have a variety of methods to apply to this painful condition and generally are successful.

5. better shoes

Dr. Warner’s Healing Sole footwear offer a natural drug-free solution to foot pain including Morton's neuroma. Our patented design helps support and stregthen your foot naturally while you walk! It is like physical therapy on the go!

UPDATE YOUR RECOVERY FOOTWEAR

IT'S EASY TO GET STUCK IN OLD WAYS OF TREATING PAIN.
IT'S TIME TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE NEW WAYS OF HEALING.

Palmer Flip Flops

Every style of The Healing Sole helps you treat foot pain by absorbing stress, offloading tension placed on the joints and gently stretching the muscles of your lower body. The Palmer is designed with a neutral big toe for additional comfort and less irritation at the forefoot.

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Emerson Sandals

Patented & Invented by Orthopedic Foot Surgeon, Dr. Meredith Warner, so you can self-treat & get back to living your best life. The Emerson is a two-strap PU leather sandal - making them a versatile choice for anyone looking for a little more flexibility and nothing between their toes.

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