Causes for Mortons Neuroma and Treatment Using Arch Support Inserts
Mortons Neuroma: Common Symptoms 
A neuroma is characterized by a non-cancerous swelling of nerve tissue that can grow in any part of the body. Mortons Neuroma is caused by compression to the nerve found between the third and fourth metatarsal bones in the foot, causing thickening of this nerve tissue. Compression of the nerve causes symptoms such as numbness and tingling of the toes begin to occur. These symptoms tend to become more evident when there is weight placed on the front of the foot, producing a noticeable amount of pain.
What Causes the Pain Associated With Mortons Neuroma?
Causes of Mortons Neuroma are not entirely clear, but anything that squeezes this nerve can cause this tissue to thicken. Wearing high-heeled shoes that can constrict the toes can be a cause of Mortons Neuroma. Also, being flat-footed can cause the metatarsals to drop, which causes pressure on this nerve. Other causes can be irritation of the nerve or injury, which all can cause the thickening of the tissue.
What Leads to Ball Of Foot Pain?
Another foot condition that is characterized by pain in this are is known as ball of foot pain. This condition is common among women who wear high heels, or people who wear shoes with no cushion or arch support. When the structure of the foot is weakened, it causes the bones of the foot to drop. When we wear shoes that do not provide enough support and cushioning we place excessive pressure on the ball of the foot and we experience pain. Also, people that suffer from over-pronation can experience metatarsalgia in the ball of their feet. A condition called over-pronation occurs when the ankles tend to roll inward and can lead to arch pain.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Mortons Neuroma
To properly treat this condition, one must get a proper diagnosis. A podiatrist will tend to examine the foot by pushing on the area of pain, squeezing the toes and pushing into the gap between the third and fourth toes. The doctor can simply feel the neuroma, in most cases. The doctor may also try pushing on the painful area and squeezing the entire foot at the same time to elicit a clicking noise, which is called Mulder’s sign. If the doctor unable to determine the presence of a neuroma, he or she can utilize other tools such as an x-ray to discount the possibility of any broken bones. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) allows physicians to clearly see a neuroma.
Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma can include anything, from resting the foot to surgery. Most doctors will use conservative treatments first. Conservative treatments include resting the feet, wearing more comfortable shoes and trying orthotics to improve arch support. Orthotic insoles also help distribute your weight more evenly over the entire foot, placing less pressure on the ball of the foot. In many cases you will see an improvement by using a combination of these conservative treatments. In severe cases, where these options do not work, your doctor may prescribe injections to attempt to reduce the size of the neuroma. In extreme situations, surgery may be the only adequate solution.
Taking care of our feet is an extremely important factor in our overall health and well-being. If you are experiencing severe pain in your feet, it is recommended to have a doctor examine your feet as soon as possible in order to determine the cause.
