Does your sole hurt like a stone hit your shoe? It could be Morton's Neuroma!

Have you ever felt like there was a small pebble inside your shoe when you walked? Or maybe it felt like your sock was stuck in a hole? But when you take off your shoe, there's nothing there. If you're experiencing this strange pain, burning sensation, or discomfort, it could be a condition called Morton's Neuroma. Don't worry, it's not as serious as you think. Let's talk about everything simply and clearly.

What is Morton's Neuroma?

Simply put, Morton's Neuroma is a condition where a nerve between your toes becomes inflamed and thickened. Specifically, the nerve that runs between the bones that connect your toes (called the metatarsal bones) becomes inflamed and compressed. It most commonly occurs between your third and fourth toes (the two middle toes closest to your little finger).

Now you might be wondering if this is something like cancer. It's fair to think so because of the "Neuroma" part of the name. But this is not cancer at all. Neuroma usually refers to non-cancerous (benign) tumors that form on nerves. But Morton's Neuroma is not actually a tumor that forms new tissue. What's happening here is that the nerve itself is under pressure, swollen, and thickened. So don't worry about it being cancer.

What are the symptoms of this condition?

The symptoms of Morton's Neuroma usually worsen over time. Initially, there may be mild pain that may go away after taking off your shoes and massaging your foot. However, as the condition progresses, the pain can become severe. Let's take a look at the main symptoms.

Why do we get Morton's Neuroma?

The main reason for this is that the nerve we talked about earlier is constantly under pressure. That nerve becomes irritated and swollen. There are several reasons why this pressure can occur.

What happens if left untreated?

This means that pain can occur later, even when you are just standing. That's why it's very important to see your doctor as soon as you start experiencing the first symptoms. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, the first thing he or she will do is ask you about your symptoms. He or she will ask you things like when the pain starts, what kind of shoes you wear, and what you do that makes the pain worse.

Your foot will then be examined carefully, especially between the toes, to see if there is any pain. This condition can often be diagnosed by a physical exam.

However, sometimes an X-ray may be ordered to rule out other conditions (such as a stress fracture or arthritis). An X-ray cannot show Morton's Neuroma , but it can help rule out other causes.

Sometimes, if the diagnosis is unclear, your doctor may refer you for an ultrasound scan, which can clearly see the nerve and surrounding tissue. Very rarely, they may also refer you for a test called ``Electromyography (EMG)``, which measures nerve function.

What are the treatments for Morton's Neuroma?

The good news is that most people can recover from this condition without surgery. The main goal of treatment is to reduce pressure on the nerve, and relieve swelling and pain.

Things that can be done without surgery

• Change shoes: This is the most important and first thing to do. Switch to shoes that are wide in the front, have a wide toe box, and are not too high . There are also stretching devices that can help you stretch your current shoes a little.
• Shoe pads and orthotic devices: Special pads or inserts that are placed inside your shoes can help reduce pressure on the soles of your feet. You may also need custom-made orthotics. Your doctor will advise you on these.
• Painkillers: Your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) to reduce swelling and pain. But remember, don't take these medications continuously for more than 10 days without consulting your doctor.
• Ice: Apply ice to the area of ​​pain and swelling for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Do not apply it directly to the skin, but wrap it in a thin cloth.
• Corticosteroid injections: If the above treatments do not relieve the pain, your doctor may inject a strong medicine (a cortisone shot) directly into the painful area. This provides quick relief for many people.

What if an operation is needed?

Only if the above treatments do not help and the pain is so severe that you cannot even walk, your doctor may recommend surgery. There are several options for this.

• Neurectomy: This is the most common surgery. In this, a section of the damaged nerve is surgically removed.
• Cryogenic neuroablation: Reduces pain and swelling by destroying nerve cells using extreme cold.
• Radiofrequency ablation: Using an electric current and heat, a small section of the nerve is destroyed. This stops pain signals from being sent to the brain.

Can Morton's Neuroma be prevented?

Yes, it definitely is. If we make a few changes to our habits, we can greatly reduce this risk.

• Choose the right shoes: This is the most important thing. Avoid wearing high-heeled, closed-toe shoes for long periods of time. Whether you're going to the office or an event, change into shoes that are comfortable for your feet as often as possible.
• Allow room for your toes: When buying shoes, choose wide shoes that have plenty of room for your toes.
• Be careful when exercising: When exercising, such as running, wear quality athletic shoes with good cushioning underfoot.
• Maintain a healthy weight: As body weight increases, the pressure on the legs also increases. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight is also important.