Living with Neuroma (Morton’s Neuroma)
Morton’s neuroma is a condition occurs when the tissue around a nerve in the foot thickens, which places pressure on the nerve, leading to pain and sometimes numbness. The most common location for Morton’s neuroma is between the third and fourth toes, though it can develop in other parts of the foot too. The thickening of the tissue causes the nerve to become irritated and inflamed (often feeling like there’s a foreign object stuck in your shoe). This sensation can make standing or walking for long periods difficult.
Am I prone to developing morton’s neuroma?
While anyone can develop morton’s neuroma, certain characteristics may increase your risk.
Foot structure
• Flat feet: People with flat feet often have an uneven distribution of weight across their foot. This imbalance can cause certain areas, especially the balls of the feet, to take on too much pressure. Over time, this added stress can irritate the nerves and increase the chances of developing a neuroma.
• High arches: On the flip side, if you have high arches, your feet might not spread the pressure evenly. This tends to shift more weight onto the ball of your foot, which puts extra strain on the nerves, particularly between the toes, increasing the risk of discomfort or injury.
Bunions and hammertoes
Bunions (which are the painful bony bumps that form at the base of your big toe, and hammertoes) where your toes bend downward, can really mess with the natural alignment of your feet. When the toes are misaligned, it changes how your weight is spread out when you walk, often putting more pressure on certain areas. This extra pressure can irritate the nerves in your foot, making it more likely for a neuroma to form over time.
Footwear choices
Wearing shoes that squeeze your toes together puts constant pressure on the nerves, which can irritate them and cause the tissue around the nerve to thicken. This is especially an issue with shoes that have a narrow toe box, restricting your toes from moving naturally. Plus, high heels force your foot into an unnatural position, shifting your weight forward onto the toes and putting extra pressure on the nerves in the ball of your foot. If you wear high heels often or for long periods, this can significantly increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
Activity level
Engaging in high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or dancing can place repetitive stress on your feet. Over time, this repetitive motion can cause trauma to the nerves in your feet, leading to inflammation and thickening of the tissue around the nerve. Sports that involve lots of running or pressure on the balls of the feet, like tennis or ballet, are also common culprits.
Age and gender
Morton’s neuroma is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 40 and 60. As you get older, the natural cushioning in your feet can wear down, which puts more pressure on the nerves. While it can develop at any age, the risk tends to increase with age. Women are also more likely to develop Morton’s neuroma, mainly because of the types of footwear they tend to wear.
Excess weight
Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on your feet, especially the balls of your feet. This added weight can increase the strain on the nerves in the foot, potentially leading to the development of Morton’s neuroma. Over time, the extra pressure can cause the tissue around the nerve to thicken, contributing to the discomfort.
Previous foot injuries
If you’ve had a previous injury to your foot, such as a sprain or fracture, it may affect how your foot bears weight during walking and standing. Foot injuries can lead to altered mechanics, placing extra pressure on certain areas of the foot. This added stress on the nerves can make the development of a neuroma more likely.
How to cope with the pain of neuroma
Choose the right footwear
Finding the right shoes is key when it comes to easing the discomfort of a neuroma. Look for footwear that gives your toes plenty of room to spread out. Shoes with a wide toe box, low heels, and cushioned insoles will help reduce pressure on your feet.
Rest and ice
If you’re experiencing flare-ups, it’s important to give your feet a rest, especially if you’ve been on your feet all day. Icing the affected area can also help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Simply wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the area for 10–15 minutes.
Manage your activities
Staying active is important, but you may need to adjust your routine to protect your feet. If you’re a runner or participate in high-impact sports, consider switching to lower-impact activities like swimming or cycling, which put less strain on your feet.
When to see a podiatrist
If you’re dealing with severe foot pain, whether it’s from Morton’s neuroma or another issue, don’t wait too long to see a podiatrist. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life. With the right treatment, you can get back to doing the things you love without letting foot pain hold you back. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Thames Foot Clinic today.
