Although many of us like to wear high heels because they make us taller, high heels tend to put pressure particularly at the ball of your foot. This can lead to a painful nerve condition called Morton’s neuroma.
In addition to wearing high heels, Morton’s neuroma can be caused by having flatfoot, high arches, bunions, hammertoes, or playing sports that put repeated pressure on the feet. This condition is often felt between the third and fourth toes of your feet (the middle toe and the toe next to the pinky toe), giving you a feeling akin to standing on a pebble in your footwear. It can also cause tingling and numbness in your toe.
Fortunately, there are several treatment options available for those experiencing this condition. Let’s talk about some of the easy ways to relieve pain caused by Morton’s neuroma and who can help you find relief if the pain persists.
Home Remedies for Morton’s Neuroma
If you have aggravating pain at the bottom of your feet between your middle toes, possibly indicating Morton’s neuroma, you can first try home remedies before seeing a doctor. Some of the most effective home treatments include the following:
Rest
Taking some time off from donning heels and from your regular high-impact exercises can help provide relief from the pain. You may also massage the affected area of your foot to facilitate circulation.
Ice Pack
In addition to rest, you may also apply ice therapy on the painful area to help alleviate pain and reduce swelling. You can use an ice pack to roll over the affected area; be sure to take breaks so you do not develop frostbite on your skin.
Looser Footwear
Try wearing shoes with lower heels and with a wider toe box so the shoe is looser around your foot. Also, avoid shoes with laces, as this creates extra tightness which can worsen Morton’s neuroma.
Over-the-Counter Medication
Your first-aid medication for pain is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These over-the-counter medicines can provide immediate relief to your foot pain and reduce the swelling.
Medical Remedies for Morton’s Neuroma
If the home remedies listed above don’t help or no longer work, it’s probably time to see a skilled podiatrist. This doctor can help you find relief via the following methods:
Custom Orthotics
Your podiatrist may prescribe customized orthotics, which are special shoe inserts that are used to reduce pain caused by Morton’s neuroma. This works by taking pressure off of the painful nerve.
Corticosteroid Injection
When over-the-counter medicines do not work, your podiatrist may inject corticosteroids directly into the affected area to help alleviate the pain and reduce swelling. This treatment usually provides relief that truly lasts, and the injections can be repeated three to four times per year.
Decompression Surgery
In decompression surgery, your doctor relieves the pain by taking pressure off of the affected nerve in your foot. Your podiatrist will cut nearby structures, like the ligament, to help remove the stress and provide lasting relief.
Nerve Removal
If other treatments fail, then the painful nerve can be removed. This treatment tends to result in permanent numbness in the area, but patients report that the numbness is much more tolerable than the chronic foot pain that was caused by Morton’s neuroma.
Podiatrists in South Texas
If you are experiencing intermittent or constant foot pain, see an experienced podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctors here at The Podiatry Group of South Texas know how to pinpoint the cause of your pain and provide a solution that works for you.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling us at our location nearest you, or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to giving you the foot care that you deserve!
