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8-10 times more common in women! According to a study reported in the peer reviewed journal Clinical Drug Investigation, 8-10 women are more likely to develop Morton’s Neuroma. Middle aged females are more likely to develop this nerve condition. | Morton's NeuromaHave you ever felt like you are standing on a pebble in your shoe, but there is nothing in it? Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes. It is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, usually in the area between the third and the fourth toes. It is painful and you may feel like a pebble is burning in that part of your foot. Symptoms include
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Causes
Anatomical
The anatomical construction of females’ feet is different from the males’. Feet in males are much stronger and longer and female feet are higher and narrower, which give more pressure to the toes.
Biomechanical problems like high arches and flat feet. Overpronation will also cause the metatarsals to rotate excessively, pinching the nerves.
Physiological & Lifestyle
- Improper shoes: Shoes that are too tight will squeeze the toes together. Wearing the same type of footwear all day long will also cause problems in your feet.
- High heels: We all know how beautiful high-heeled shoes are; however, they can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot. Many women experience relief by switching to lower heeled shoes with wider toe boxes.
- Certain sports: Participating in high-impact athletic activities such as jogging or running may subject your feet to repetitive trauma. Sports that feature tight shoes, such as snow skiing or rock climbing, can put pressure on your toes.
What to do?
Treatment for Morton's Neuroma will depend on how long you've had the condition and its severity. Simple non-surgical treatments are effective for some people. Others may need surgery. This will be best assessed by a Podiatrist.
Click Here to find a Podiatrist!Non-surgical treatments
- changing your footwear
- orthotic devices
- prescription pain medication or anti-inflammatory medication
- physical therapy
- weight control
Surgical and other procedures
Your Podiatrist may also suggest:
- Injections: Some people are helped by the injection of steroids into the painful area.
- Decompression surgery: In some cases, surgeons can relieve the pressure on the nerve by cutting nearby structures, such as the ligament that binds together some of the bones in the front of the foot.
- Removal of the nerve: Surgical removal of the growth may be necessary if other treatments fail to provide pain relief. Although surgery is usually successful, the procedure can result in permanent numbness in the affected toes.
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