What is Morton's Neuroma?

Dr. Rosenstein,


      I have a sharp pain in a couple of my small toes. It is more painful when I walk barefoot. What is this and what should I do to treat it?


The symptoms you describe may be caused by Morton's Neuroma. The most common symptom of Morton's Neuroma is localized pain in the third interspace between the third and fourth toes. It can be sharp or dull, and is worsened by wearing shoes and by walking. You also may feel burning or even a lack of feeling in the area.

Morton's Neuroma is a swelling of a nerve usually at the ball of the foot causing a sensation much like walking on a pebble.

In most cases, initial treatment consists of padding and taping to disperse weight away from the neuroma. you would then be instructed to wear shoes with wide toe boxes and avoid shoes with high heels.

An injection of local anesthetic to relieve pain and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation may be administered. A podiatrist would then monitor your progress over the next two weeks.

If the pain has been releived, the neuroma is probably small and caused by the structure of your foot and the type of shoes you wear. It can be releived by a custom-fitted orthotic that helps maintain the foot in a better position.

Sometimes soft tissue surgery is necessary if the foot does not rspond to the above treatments.

Of course, it's always best to consult your podiatrist for the proper individual diagnosis and treatment. There is no reason to endure pain.

"When your feet hurt, you hurt all over!"

For more information or to schedule a visit please call Affiliated Podiatrists, Inc. at 440-946-5858 or visit our website   http://www.drrobertrosenstein.com/