Do you have pain and or burning in one of your feet? Have you felt like maybe your sock is balled up in the front of your shoe or you are walking on a pebble? Do you find yourself taking off your shoe and sock to rub your forefoot? If these symptoms sound familiar you could have Morton’s Neuroma. This is a common condition that presents between the ages of 40-60.
A neuroma is a condition that occurs when a nerve is irritated in the foot and can swell. This normally occurs in the 3rd interspace of the foot. This is because the large nerve in the ankle that supplies the innervation to the foot divides into two branches. These two branches are the medial and lateral plantar nerves of the foot. These then come together in the 3rd interspace and create a spot of compression. Most physicians believe that this area lacks enough space and with ambulating the nerve can become irritated and a neuroma can develop.
Once a neuroma develops it can be very challenging to get the nerve to calm down. I have seen all sorts of creative solutions by patients but there are some tried and true methods. The first seems to be offloading of a nerve. Specifically, a prescription orthotic that is custom made for your anatomy works very well. This will need to be done by a physician, a shoe store or non-physician does not have access to the correct technology or laboratory equipment nor the training. Secondly, alcohol injections provide incredible relief to the irritated nerve. There is a great long-term study that shows this is effective up to 89% of the time.
If you are suffering from what you believe is a neuroma I can help. I have seen how painful and debilitating these can be. Make an appointment at 425-391-8666 or by filling out a contact form online.
Sincerely,
Dr Brandon Nelson
American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons
