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10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma may be a benign condition of the foot, but it is painful and can harm the ball of the foot. It is found in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones.

This condition is going to happen when the tissue around a nerve starts to thicken due to being irritated or compressed and you will often find it between the third and fourth toe. Neuromas can be painful and may make it hard to walk around and move the way that you would like.

How do you know that you have Morton’s Neuroma and when is it time to get some of the treatment that you need? Read below to find out some of the signs that you can look for when it comes to having Morton’s Neuroma.

10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma

10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma

There are a lot of different signs and symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma and each patient is going to experience it in a slightly different manner based on when it starts and how well they take care of it. But there are a few common signs that you can pay attention to.

Some of the most common signs that you have Morton’s Neuroma in your feet include:

#1 Numb Sensation in the Foot

One of the first signs that you can look for to determine whether you have this condition is a number or a tingling sensation in the foot. This can show up either in the ball of the foot or the toes. It can happen when you have sat still for a long time and then got up to move or after some tough exercise.

#2 Burning Discomfort in Your Foot

Many patients will notice that they have burning or shooting pain in the ball or the toes of the foot. This can come and go for some patients, but it is also possible that the pain will stick around and can bother you most of the time, which is going to make it difficult to be mobile and do the movements you want.

#3 A Bulge in the Foot

Take a moment to touch your foot and see if anything unusual is there at the time. If you notice that there is some kind of bulge, even if it is a small bulge, or there is some kind of fullness between the toes, then this is a sign that the nerve is growing and inflamed and that you have Morton’s Neuroma.

#4 Your Sleepy Toes Indicate Morton's Neuroma

You may notice on occasion that your toes are asleep when you sit in an awkward position or you spend some time on the floor. But if this tends to happen, even when you are moving and standing, it is a sign that something else is going on with your feet. If you notice that the toes are asleep quite a bit, then you may need to consider getting them checked for this condition.

#5 The Sensation of Walking on a Crumpled Sock

Have you ever tried to walk around in a shoe where the sock moved around and started to crumple under your foot? This can be annoying and makes it difficult to be comfortable when you are trying to walk for a long period of time.

Some patients will notice that they have a feeling just like this when they have Morton’s Neuroma. If you feel like you are walking around with a crumpled or wrinkled sock and your sock is fine, or you are not wearing a sock at all, then this is a sign that you have a condition and need some work.

#6 Morton's Neuroma is Characterized by Cramping Toes

Another sign that you can look for is cramping toes. This is a concern when you are walking around compared to when you are sitting still.

Some people may notice that their toes will start to click when they walk as well. This could be a sign that something is wrong with the foot and the nerves near the toes and could possibly be Morton’s Neuroma.

#7 Wanting to Massage the Foot

When our feet get worn out and sore, we often want to take off our shoes and rub them a little bit to try and help. Doing this on occasion is not a big deal, especially if you are wearing new shoes or have a long day on your feet, but if you start to do it all the time with regular activity, then the pain could be from Morton’s Neuroma as well. You should have the condition checked.

#8 Pain That Gets Worse When You Have Morton's Neuroma

Over time, your Morton’s Neuroma is going to get worse as you walk around. The pain can start to bother you and you may not be able to do some of the same activities that you did before. Many patients will curtail some of their activities or refuse to do some activities because their feet are tired and the pain is too much for them to handle.

In addition, you may notice that the pain is getting worse as time goes on. You may have a light pain that only shows up on occasion in the beginning. The longer that you go without a good treatment plan and help, the worse the pain will get. And it is possible that you will have to stop moving around as much too.

#9 Pain When Wearing Shoes

Some patients will find that the pain they have is going to get worse when they apply pressure to the area or they are wearing shoes. You should be able to massage the area of the foot when it is painful and uncomfortable and it should feel better.

If you put pressure on it, then the pain is going to get worse. If you notice it is worse while wearing shoes, then that can be bad too.

#10 Morton's Neuroma Spreads to Toes

Morton’s Neuroma is often going to appear in the third and fourth toe of your foot. There are some exceptions to this. However, you may notice that the toes, whichever ones they may be, that are closest to the pain will start to spread apart like they are making room for the nerve that is damaged and can’t fit well.

You may be able to look down on the toes and see that they are spreading apart and not as close together as they were in the past. You could also have a problem with your shoes not fitting well because they need more space in order to fit well.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma:

It's important to note that while these factors can increase the risk of Morton's neuroma, they do not necessarily cause the condition. It's a good idea to see a doctor if you are experiencing persistent foot pain, as early treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

There are several potential causes of the disorder, including

  • Wearing high heels or tight shoes: High heels or tight shoes can put excess pressure on the toes and ball of the foot, which can lead to the development of Morton's neuroma. When the toes are squeezed together in a tight space, it can cause the tissue surrounding the nerves in the foot to become thick and inflamed, leading to pain and discomfort. Women are more likely to develop Morton's neuroma than men, possibly due to the fact that they are more likely to wear high heels and tight shoes.
  • Certain underlying foot conditions, such as flat feet or bunions, can increase the risk of developing Morton's neuroma. Flat feet, in particular, can cause excess pressure on the toes and ball of the foot, leading to the development of the condition. Bunions, on the other hand, can cause the toes to become misaligned and squeeze together, which can also lead to the development of Morton's neuroma.
  • The risk of Morton's neuroma increases with age, as the feet tend to flatten and widen as we get older, which can put extra pressure on the nerves in the foot.
  • Activities that involve repetitive stress or trauma to the foot, such as running or playing high-impact sports, can also increase the risk of Morton's neuroma.

How Can I Exercise If I Have Morton's Neuroma?

  • Low-impact sports: Low-impact sports, such as cycling, swimming, and yoga, can provide a good cardiovascular workout without placing as much stress on the feet.
  • Walking: Walking is a low-impact exercise that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and is less likely to cause foot problems.
  • Cross-training: Incorporating a variety of different types of exercise into your routine, such as strength training, stretching, and low-impact cardio, can help reduce the risk of foot injuries and other overuse injuries.

What Else Can I Do About My Morton's Neuroma?

10 Signs You May Have Morton’s Neuroma

Custom orthotics can be helpful for Morton's neuroma, as they can help alleviate pressure on the affected nerves and prevent the condition from worsening. Orthotics are special inserts that are designed to fit your feet specifically and provide support and stability to your arch and heel.

Custom orthotics can be used to treat Morton's neuroma by redistributing weight and reducing pressure on the ball of the foot. They also provide extra cushioning and support to the arch and heel.

Your doctor or a podiatrist can help you determine the best type of orthotic for your needs. They may also recommend using orthotics in combination with other treatments, such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications.

In more severe cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections or surgery to remove the inflamed tissue. Wearing proper footwear and using inserts or orthotics, however, are the least invasive options to help alleviate pressure on the affected nerves and prevent the condition from worsening.

It's important to note that while custom orthotics can be helpful for Morton's neuroma, they are not a cure-all and may not be effective for everyone. It's always a good idea to discuss all treatment options with your doctor and follow their recommendations for care.

Taking Care of Your Morton’s Neuroma

When you are dealing with Morton’s Neuroma, you will need to find the signs as soon as possible so that you can get the treatment that you need. There are many different signs of this condition, but you will find that each patient will have symptoms slightly different when they suffer from this.

If you feel like you are suffering from Morton’s Neuroma, and you have decided that a pair of custom orthotics makes the most sense for your feet, take a look at some of our custom insoles for Morton's Neuroma, call, or send your contact information, so we can provide you with the relief that you need with orthotics designed specifically for your feet.

Summary

Problems and Pains of Morton's Neuroma:

  1. Sharp Foot Pain: Morton's Neuroma is characterized by sharp, shooting pain in the ball of the foot, often between the third and fourth toes.

  2. Numbness and Tingling: Sufferers may experience numbness and tingling in the affected area, making walking and standing uncomfortable.

  3. Burning Sensation: A burning sensation is a common symptom of Morton's Neuroma, adding to the discomfort.

  4. Difficulty Walking: The pain and discomfort can lead to difficulties in walking and may affect overall mobility.

How Bilt Labs Custom Orthotics Can Help Morton's Neuroma Sufferers:

  1. Metatarsal Support: Bilt Labs custom orthotics provide targeted support to the metatarsal area, reducing pressure and pain in the ball of the foot.

  2. Enhanced Comfort: Custom orthotics offer cushioning and support, alleviating numbness, tingling, and the burning sensation associated with Morton's Neuroma.

  3. Reduced Pain: By promoting proper foot mechanics and alignment, custom orthotics can significantly reduce foot pain, allowing individuals with Morton's Neuroma to walk more comfortably.

  4. Improved Mobility: Custom orthotics improve overall comfort and mobility, making it easier to engage in daily activities without pain and discomfort.

Custom orthotics by Bilt Labs are the solution for Morton's Neuroma sufferers, helping to alleviate pain, improve foot mechanics, and enhance overall comfort and mobility. Say goodbye to Morton's Neuroma-related problems and hello to a more comfortable and active lifestyle with Bilt Labs.