Feeling like there’s a pebble beneath your foot or a fold in your sock may be a sign of Morton’s neuroma. Podiatrist Samuel W. Cox Jr., DPM, diagnoses and treats neuromas at Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC in Goodyear, Arizona. If you think you have a neuroma, call or book an appointment online today for prompt treatment.
A neuroma involves thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve. Neuromas can develop in various parts of your body, but the most common type to affect the foot is Morton’s neuroma. Sometimes called intermetatarsal neuroma, this condition affects the nerve located between your third and fourth toes.
Usually, Morton’s neuroma doesn’t cause any visible signs, such as a lump. You may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
Neuroma symptoms are typically mild at first and progressively worsen over time. Without treatment, symptoms grow more intense, and changes in the nerve may become permanent.
Anything that causes the nerve to become irritated or compressed can lead to Morton’s neuroma. Certain factors may increase your risk for developing a neuroma, including:
Women are about 8-10 times more likely to get Morton’s neuroma than men. This may be because women are more likely to wear narrow, high-heeled shoes.
First, your provider at Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists reviews your symptoms and medical history. They carefully examine your foot and may press on it to check for swelling or tenderness. They may take an X-ray to rule out other possible causes of foot pain, such as a stress fracture.
Then, your provider recommends the best treatment for your needs. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, treatment for Morton’s neuroma may include:
If your foot pain persists despite conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary. Dr. Cox is a highly experienced foot and ankle surgeon at Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists.
You shouldn’t ignore any type of foot pain that persists longer than a few days, or especially if it worsens. Call Arizona Foot & Ankle Specialists or book an appointment online today.