When the nerve tissue leading up to your toes thickens, the pain can quickly knock you off your feet. When this happens, call our sports podiatrist, Dr. Ripepi. He and his compassionate, experienced podiatry team can provide Morton’s neuroma treatment in both Rocky River & Parma OH, and restore you to your pain-free, mobile lifestyle once again.
Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve that leads from the ball of the foot usually between the third and fourth toes. The condition results from compression and irritation of the nerve and if left untreated, leads to permanent nerve damage.
Morton's neuroma may feel like a pebble in your shoe. There might be a sharp, burning pain or numbness in the ball of the foot or toes. Your toes also may sting, burn, or feel numb.
Symptoms
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may have one or more of these symptoms where the nerve damage is occurring:
Tingling, burning or numbness
A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
A feeling that there is something in the shoe or a sock is bunched up
Pain between your toes
Swelling between your toes
To help relieve the pain associated with Morton's neuroma and allow the nerve to heal, consider the following self-care tips:
Take anti-inflammatory medications.
Try ice massage.
Change your footwear.
Diagnosis
Dr. Ripepi will examine your feet and determine if you have a Morton's neuroma based on the nature and location of your foot pain. He will look for areas of tenderness, swelling, calluses, numbness, muscle weakness and limited motion. X-rays are needed to examine the bone structure for any other potential causes of similar pains.
Prevention
Although It is not always possible to prevent a Morton's neuroma, you can reduce your risk by wearing shoes with low heels, plenty of toe space and good arch support. Dr. Ripepi may recommend custom molded orthotics to help relieve your discomfort and improve your step. Custom orthotics are prescribed for YOUR foot. Custom orthotics address the weaknesses in YOUR feet so that your feet can work as efficiently as possible together.
A Morton's neuroma will not disappear on its own. Usually, the symptoms will come and go, depending on the type of shoes you wear and how much time you spend on your feet. Sometimes, the symptoms will go away completely.
Treatment
At Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics treatment usually begins with conservative therapies, including:
A switch to shoes with low heels, wide toes, and good arch support
X-rays – required to examine for other bony problems that can cause similar pains.
MLS laser therapy- uses concentrated light energy to stimulate the body’s own healing process to minimize pain, inflammation, and neuropathy.
Orthotics - help correct any mechanical imbalance in the foot
Anti-inflammatory medication.
The best time to come to Ripepi foot & Ankle Clinics is early in the development of symptoms. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may help you avoid surgery.
The best way to know if you suffer from Morton’s neuroma is to schedule an evaluation with our Cleveland sports podiatrist, Dr. Ripepi. He will provide you with a thorough examination, educate you on your condition, and discuss your available treatment options with you. Call 440-843-3692 to request an appointment at Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics (often the same day) and let us get you back to the activities that you enjoy!!
