Have you ever gotten up the day after an evening affair or a business function to discover pain in the balls of your feet? If you were wearing heels the night before, this might be a sign of Morton’s Neuroma.

Sales of high-heeled shoes have dropped recently in the US. The pain they cause might be part of the reason why.

Are you wondering whether you can keep your stylish shoes and have healthy feet? Check out this guide to learn more about Morton’s Neuroma, and what you can do about it.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that affects the nerve between the metatarsals on the ball of the foot. Due to compression and irritation over time, the tissue around the nerve thickens. This thickened tissue can cause nerve pain in the ball of the foot.

What Does Morton’s Neuroma Feel Like?

There are a few telltale signs that go along with this Neuroma. Those who suffer from it will often describe a sensation like they are “walking on a marble.” This sensation is caused by the thickened tissue built up around the nerve.

Because the nerve is affected, some people will experience burning or tingling. You may feel numbness in one or more of your toes, or you may feel the pain radiating out.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

As stated above, this condition is usually caused by compression and/or irritation of this area of the foot over time. There are a few behaviors and habits that tend to contribute to this irritation.

The most common habit associated with Morton’s Neuroma is wearing high heels. Heels often have narrow, pointed fronts that constrict the toes. This tightness can cause the nerves to become compressed.

Also, the elevation of the heel can cause compression and irritation. This is because holding your foot in the position required by high heels places pressure on the ball of your foot over time.

That said, heels aren’t the only culprit that can lead to this condition. Certain sports, such as running, can also cause Morton’s Neuroma. This is because running and jogging cause repeated trauma to the feet.

How Do You Treat Morton’s Neuroma?

The treatment required typically depends on the severity of your symptoms.

If you have just started symptoms, you can start by limiting the contributing behavior. For instance, you can either opt for flat shoes, or switch to heels that have a wider front and a shorter heel.

Massaging the ball of your foot, practicing some stretching exercises, icing, and rest can all also help.

If the pain persists, you may need more aggressive treatment from a medical professional. These may include injections of pain relievers or even surgery.

Say Goodbye to Morton’s Neuroma

By making some adjustments to your footwear habits, you can continue wearing shoes you love while avoiding Morton’s Neuroma.

If you continue to experience pain, even after making adjustments, it may be time to visit a specialist. Contact us today to schedule your appointment with one of our top rated podiatrists. 

The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact Family Foot & Ankle Centers by clicking here or calling 972-597-4132 to reach our Waxahachie office, 903-872-9910 to reach our Corsicana office, or  972-875-3668 to reach our Ennis office.