Ball of foot pain
Ball of foot pain - Morton's Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma, also known as interdigital neuroma or intermetatarsal neuroma, is a condition characterized by the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This most commonly occurs between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma is often painful and can feel like you’re standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock.
Causes:
- The exact cause is not always clear, but it is often associated with irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves leading to your toes.
- Wearing tight or high-heeled shoes, which can compress the toes and the forefoot, may contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma.
Symptoms:
- Common symptoms include pain or discomfort, often described as a burning or shooting pain, in the ball of the foot or at the base of the toes.
- Numbness or tingling may be felt in the affected toes.
- Symptoms may worsen over time and become more persistent.
Diagnosis:
- Diagnosis is usually based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and a physical examination.
- Imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms
Treatment:
- Conservative measures are often the first line of treatment and may include wearing wider shoes, using orthotic inserts, or padding to reduce pressure on the affected area.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections may be prescribed to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen the foot muscles may be recommended.
