Morton’s Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot, commonly between the third and fourth toes. This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for Morton’s neuroma and how Skelian Chiropractic Clinic in Cheltenham can help manage this condition effectively.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, involves the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This thickening can cause sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, and the affected toes may also sting, burn or feel numb.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Footwear: High-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight and narrow at the toe can compress the foot and aggravate the nerve.

Foot Structure: Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, hammertoes, or bunions can increase pressure on the nerves in the foot.

Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve running or jumping can place extra strain on the feet, leading to the development of Morton’s neuroma.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Pain: A sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot that often radiates to your toes.

Numbness: Tingling or numbness in the toes.

Sensation: A feeling that there’s a pebble in your shoe or that the sock is bunched up under the foot.

Diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma

Physical Examination: Your chiropractor will press on your foot to locate the pain and may manipulate your toes to observe symptoms.

Imaging Tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions such as stress fractures or arthritis.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Conservative Treatments:

Footwear Changes: Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on the nerve.

Orthotics: Custom shoe inserts to support the arch and reduce pressure on the nerve.

Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the foot muscles and improve posture.

Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and inflammation.

Corticosteroid Injections: Administering injections to reduce inflammation and pain.

Advanced Treatments for Mortons Neuroma:

Radiofrequency Ablation: Using heat to destroy the nerve tissue.

Surgical Treatment: Removal of the affected nerve if conservative treatments fail.

Role of Skelian Chiropractic Clinic in Cheltenham

At Skelian Chiropractic Clinic, we offer comprehensive care for individuals suffering from Morton’s neuroma. Our services are tailored to alleviate pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence.

Specialist Physiotherapy Services: We provide in house ultrasound scans and guided steroid injections. 

Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage, myofascial release, and other techniques to ease muscle tension and enhance blood flow.

Rehabilitation Exercises: Creating customized exercise programs to strengthen the feet, improve flexibility, and enhance stability.

Orthotic Support: Providing custom orthotics to support the arch, reduce pressure on the nerve, and improve gait.

Patient Education: Offering guidance on proper footwear, posture, and preventive measures to avoid future foot problems.

Conclusion

Morton’s neuroma is a painful and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is crucial for managing this condition effectively.

At Skelian Chiropractic Clinic in Cheltenham, we are dedicated to providing personalized care to help you overcome Morton’s neuroma and return to your daily activities pain-free.

Give the clinic a call on 01242 254000 for more information and to schedule an appointment. Your journey to recovery begins here!