How Morton’s Neuroma Affects Nerve Health in the Foot

Morton's neuroma, a foot problem that affects up to a third of all Americans according to the American Journal of Roentgenology, can cause significant issues with mobility and pain if it isn't treated in a timely fashion. It is sometimes asymptomatic, meaning that the patient hasn’t experienced any significant symptoms. Learn more about how Morton’s neuroma affects nerve health in the feet and how you can get help with this foot condition from Dr. Heather Hall Morse, Dr. Raymond J. Noonan, and Dr. Abigail Skov at Northside Podiatry in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA.

About Morton’s Neuroma

You step on the ball of your foot every time you take a step, rolling forward from the heels to the toe. Morton’s neuroma is a growth of tissue around one of the nerves that leads to your toes due to the pressure and friction that happens at those joints in the foot. As the tissue grows, it can become painful due to its contact with the nerves. Some patients say that Morton’s neuroma feels like you have a small rock stuck inside of your shoe. However, in some cases, patients don’t know that they have a neuroma because they don’t have any immediate symptoms.

How Neuroma Affects Nerve Health

The nerves of the feet send signals to your brain that you are experiencing the sensation of pain. As the tissue grows over the nerve tissue, the pain increases over time but then the nerve can become so damaged that the area becomes numb. It is not a good thing to not feel sensations in your feet, as you can have a wound, ingrown toenails, or ulcer that could become infected if it isn’t treated promptly.

Morton’s Neuroma Treatments

These are the treatments that your Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA podiatrist may suggest for your case of Morton’s neuroma:

• Modifying your footwear choices (no more high heels or narrow pointed shoes).
• Custom orthotics inserted into your shoes provide better support and protection for the feet.
• Anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections to manage pain.
• Ice therapy.
• Morton’s neuroma surgery (decompression or neurectomy) for treatment-resistant cases.

Protect Your Foot and Nerve Health

If you believe you have Morton's neuroma or you have already been diagnosed, take action to protect the nerves in your feet. Dr. Morse, Dr. Noonan, and Dr. Skov can help you with Morton's neuroma at Northside Podiatry in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA. Call (404) 843-0090 today to schedule a visit.