Does it hurt to move your toes? Do your toes feel like they’re continually on a rock or lump in your socks? Morton’s neuroma is a possibility. The ball of your foot might become inflamed due to neuroma. It is caused by tissue swelling around the digital nerve bundle. Morton’s neuromas, one of the most frequent forms of Lenox Hill neuromas, may develop between any of the toes but are most often seen between the third and fourth.
Morton’s neuromas are caused by repetitive tension, irritation, and pressure on the ball of the foot, disrupting the nerve leading to the toes. In other words, it is an overuse or repetitive stress injury. Morton’s neuroma doesn’t usually cause any swelling, lumps, or bruising.
Avoid high heels and shoes that are too tight or ill-fitting
Make sure that the toe box of your shoes is the proper size. Extra space in the toe box might be helpful in sports shoes, especially for distance running, since the foot commonly swells throughout the run. You may want to reduce the frequency you wear high-heeled shoes or opt for a lower-heeled alternative if you already do. Increased symptoms may result even if you are only wearing socks too small.
Lifestyle and home remedies
To alleviate the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma and promote the healing of the nerve, follow these self-care suggestions:
- Take pain relievers to reduce inflammation.
Analgesics like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, etc.) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), both available without a prescription, may help alleviate swelling and discomfort.
- Try ice massage
Regular ice massage may be beneficial in relieving pain. A paper or plastic cup filled with water may be frozen and rolled over an inflamed area.
- Take a break
Reduce high-impact activities like running, aerobics, and dance for a few weeks.
Enhance your center of gravity
Muscle weakness in the foot and ankle, as well as the knee and hip musculature, is often linked to poor balance and proprioceptive awareness. The foot and ankle complex will have to work harder to compensate for poor balance and weakness in the kinetic chain (potentially overworking the tissues). A lack of strength and stability may also cause poor foot biomechanics.
Seek help if necessary
Nearly 80% of Morton’s neuroma cases may be treated using home remedies, according to research (as outlined above). However, contact your local physical therapist if you don’t see any improvement after two to three weeks of vigorously treating the symptoms. Finding a physical therapist in your region is easy with the aid of the American Physical Therapy Association.
To get rid of the pain, you may require help identifying the biomechanical root of the problem and different hands-on approaches or modalities. You may need a custom-made orthotic in some instances. Iontophoresis, a technique of transdermal medication administration by using a voltage gradient on the skin either through a hand-held machine or a self-contained patch, or low-level laser treatment (LLLT) may also be appropriate.
Neuromas can be too much to deal with. They can be too painful and affect your mobility or quality of life. It will help if you are informed on how to deal with the problem when it happens. Don’t put off seeking treatment as it may lead to severe problems.