Neuroma (Mortons Neuroma)
INTRODUCTION TO NEUROMA
The term neuroma refers to a swelling of a nerve. The nerve commonly affected is a small nerve that connects the 3d and 4th toes, counting from the big toe. The patient will complain of pain in the sole of the foot.
APPEARANCE OF A NEUROMA
- The area may be hot and swollen.
SYMPTOMS OF A NEUROMA
- Begins with numbness or tenderness in the foot, just behind the 3rd and 4th toes
- At a later stage, pain, numbness, burning and tingling sensations can radiate around the foot.
- The symptoms may appear and disappear spontaneously.
- Severe pain may be present at weight bearing.
- The patient may experience spontaneous shooting pains, which is often referred to as an “electric shock”. This can affect patients when are sleeping at night.
CAUSES OF A NEUROMA
- The pulling of the ligaments under the foot irritates the nerve.
- High heels can damage the nerve.
- A tight toe box will squeeze the toes in the foot and therefore put pressure on the nerve.
- Mechanical problems with the feet such as “over pronation”. Over pronation can be simply described as a condition, which causes your arches to flatten out when you stand up. This causes your ankles to roll in towards each other and disturbs your normal walking pattern. If a foot over pronates the structures of the foot are put under stress, which increases the likelihood of a neuroma occurring.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Avoid high heels on tight shoes.
- Walk bear foot as much as possible
- Seek advice from a State Registered Chiropodist.
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