MORTON’S NEUROMA

Mortons neuroma is the enlargement of a nerve within the foot that causes bring, numbness and tingling in the toes. Most commonly happens between your third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma may feel as if you are standing on a pebble in your shoe or on a fold in your sock.

Typically, there’s no outward sign of this condition, such as a lump. Instead, you may experience the following symptoms:

• A feeling as if you’re standing on a stone
• Tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in front of foot
• Pain mostly evident on standing or weight bearing activities
• May have an audible click
• Swelling may be noted
• Palpable mass or lump

Morton’s neuroma seems to occur in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. Factors that appear to contribute to Morton’s neuroma include:

• High heels. Wearing high-heeled shoes or shoes that are tight or ill fitting can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
• Certain sports. Participating in high-impact athletic activities such as jogging or running may subject your feet to repetitive trauma. Sports that feature tight shoes, such as snow skiing or rock climbing, can put pressure on your toes.
• Foot conditions. People who have bunions, hammertoes, high arches
• Flat feet. Flat flexible feet are at higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

It’s best not to ignore any foot pain that lasts longer than a few days. See a podiatrist if you experience a burning pain in the ball of your foot that’s not improving, despite changing your footwear and modifying activities that may cause stress to your foot. If Mortons neuroma is left untreated it will continue to get bigger and more painful.

Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Your podiatrist will likely recommend trying orthotics to help reduce pressure on the nerve. Other treatments may include:

• Correct footwear
• Custom orthotics
• Domes
• Surgery
• Injections

Call us to find out whether your Morton’s neuroma treatment is covered by your private health care provider. There are a few things to consider with your private health fund such as your level of cover, your policy waiting periods, annual limits and fund rules. It is important to know what you are up for prior to your visits to avoid unwanted, expensive surprises.