Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot. It usually occurs between the third and fourth toes. Here, the tissue around one of the nerves going to your toes thickens causing sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot. This disorder may feel like a pebble in your shoe or a crease in your sock.
At The Foot & Ankle Center of Arizona, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma providing professional compassionate care to residents of Scottsdale.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma also called intermetatarsal neuroma includes the thickening of tissues around nerves leading to the toes. Irritation, too much pressure, or injury can cause this thickening. Mostly, this condition affects the nerve between the third and fourth toe; however, it can also occur between other toes.
Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma can vary in intensity and may include:
- A burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate to the toes
- Tingling or numbness in the toes
- A feeling as if you are standing on a pebble or have a fold in your sock
- Discomfort that worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
Several factors can contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma, including:
- Wearing high-heeled or tight shoes that put pressure on the toes and the ball of the foot
- Engaging in activities that place repetitive stress on the foot, such as running or court sports
- Having foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or high arches
Diagnosis of Morton’s Neuroma
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS, will conduct a thorough examination to diagnose Morton’s neuroma. This may include:
- A physical exam to check for pain, swelling, or a palpable lump
- Imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis
Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma treatment is pain relief and pressure reduction of the affected nerve. Depending on how severe the condition is, treatment could include:
Conservative Treatments
- Shoe Modifications: Changing into wider shoes with low heels can reduce the pressure and the ball of the foot.
- Orthotic Devices: Personalized orthotics can offer support and help in reducing pressure on the nerve.
- Medications: Pain blockers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are useful in minimizing pain and inflammation.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections may decrease inflammation and alleviate pain
Advanced Treatments
In case the usual methods of treatment are not enough, then more sophisticated techniques may be necessary. They include:
- Alcohol Sclerosing Injections: these injections can help reduce the size of the neuroma and relieve pain.
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): a non-invasive treatment using sound waves to minimize pain and stimulate healing.
Surgical Options
For patients with distinct high symptoms that do not respond to conservative or advanced treatments, surgery may be recommended. Among other foot surgeons, Dr. Kris A. DiNucci DPM FACFAS at Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona performs various surgical operations on Morton’s neuroma including;
- Neuroma Excision: Removal of the thickened nerve tissue to alleviate discomfort. Therefore, this procedure is also known as Morton’s neuroma excision or neuroma removal surgery because it involves removing the part that causes pain.
- Minimally Invasive Techniques: Using smaller incisions and specialized instruments to reduce recovery time and minimize scarring.
Post-Surgery Care
After undergoing Morton’s neuroma excision or every other surgical procedure for neuroma removal, sufferers will acquire specific post-surgical procedure care commands to ensure smooth and rapid healing. This may additionally encompass:
- Rest and Elevation: Keeping the foot improved and minimizing pastime to reduce swelling and sell recuperation.
- Pain Management: Using prescribed ache medicinal drugs and ice packs to manipulate up-surgical ache.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Regular test-U.S.A.With Dr. Kris A. DiNucci to screen recovery progress and address any concerns.
FAQs About Morton’s Neuroma
1. What is Morton’s neuroma, and how is it diagnosed?
Morton’s neuroma is a condition where the tissue around the nerves leading to the toes thickens, causing pain in the ball of the foot. It is diagnosed through a physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to confirm the condition and rule out other issues.
2. What are the common symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?
The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and a sensation of standing on a pebble or fold in the sock. The pain often worsens with activity or wearing tight shoes.
3. What are the treatment options for Morton’s neuroma?
Treatment options range from conservative measures like footwear modifications and orthotic devices to advanced treatments such as alcohol sclerosing injections and extracorporeal shockwave therapy. In severe cases, surgical options like neuroma excision may be recommended.
4. How effective is neuroma excision surgery?
Neuroma excision surgery is highly effective for relieving the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma. Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS, specializes in this procedure, which involves removing the affected nerve tissue to eliminate the source of pain.
5. What should I expect during recovery from Morton’s neuroma surgery?
Recovery from Morton’s neuroma surgery involves rest, elevation of the foot, pain management, and follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Most patients can expect a significant reduction in pain and a return to normal activities within a few weeks to months, depending on the individual case.
Why Choose the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona?
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we are devoted to providing the very best and excellent take care of sufferers stricken by Morton’s neuroma. Our team, led by means of Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS, has enormous enjoyment in diagnosing and treating this situation. We provide a complete range of treatment alternatives, from conservative cures to advanced surgical procedures, making sure that each patient gets customized care tailor-made to their wishes.
Expertise and Experience
Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist with specialized training in foot and ankle surgery. His expertise in treating Morton’s neuroma, combined with a compassionate approach to patient care, makes him one of the leading specialists in Scottsdale, AZ.
Comprehensive Care
We provide a full spectrum of services for the diagnosis and remedy of Morton’s neuroma, using ultra-modern technology and remedy modalities to ensure sure greatest outcomes. Our aim is to alleviate your pain and help you come back for your regular sports as quickly and accurately as possible.
Patient-Centered Approach
At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we agree with a patient-focused method of care. We make the effort to concentrate on your worries, solve your questions, and expand a treatment plan that suits your lifestyle and desires. Your consolation and pleasure are our top priorities.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of Morton’s neuroma or have any worries about your foot health, contact the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona nowadays to agenda an appointment with Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, DPM, FACFAS. Our group is right here to help you get the lower back for your toes and revel in an ache-unfastened existence.
We are dedicated to providing the best trendy of taking care of our patients in Scottsdale, AZ, and the surrounding areas. Let us assist you locate relief from the pain and discomfort of Morton’s neuroma.
