Suffer from foot pain? It could be your shoes
If you suffer from chronic foot pain, your shoes could be to blame. Morton’s neuroma refers to a relatively common, treatable, and often misdiagnosed painful ailment of the foot, caused by a pinched nerve usually between the third and fourth toes (Figure 1). Fortunately, there may be an easy fix: change your shoes!
Definition
- Morton’s neuroma: a thickening of the nerves at the base of the toes, causing either numbness and/or pain
- Most prevalent in adult women due to narrower feet and narrow shoes with high heels
- Mostly absent in barefoot countries
Figure 1
Symptoms
- Chronic, aching forefoot pain, relieved in part by removing a tight shoe
- Sharp, stabbing forefoot pain
- Numbness
- Radiating pain that travels up the leg
- Some describe the feeling of a pebble in their shoes
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Treatment starts with a proper diagnosis from a board certified orthopedist
- Usually made by obtaining medical history, followed by thorough foot exam
- Other disorders such as stress fractures, neuropathy, metatarsalgia, and even lumbar disc herniations may be considered
- X-rays do not show disorder but can rule out others
- Blood tests, MRIs, and nerve testing seldom necessary
Suffering from persistent foot pain that interferes with your life activities? Be sure to visit us at our office in Huntington, Long Island and get back to doing the things that you love!
To make an appointment with Dr. Moriarty please call 631-423-BONE or visit our website.