Morton's Neuroma Specialist in North Seattle
A neuroma is an enlarged, benign growth of nerves, which can occur in various parts of the body. The most common neuroma of the foot is called Morton's neuroma, It develops between the third and fourth toes of either foot. The incidence of Morton's neuroma is eight to ten times greater in women than in men primarily due to shoe choice.
Causes of Morton's Neuroma
Neuromas are caused by tissue rubbing against the nerves and irritating them. The most common offenders are:
- Shoes - pointy shoes and high-heeled shoes that force the toes into the toebox.
- Abnormal foot structure- bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, and flexible feet all put a person at greater risk for Morton's neuroma.
- Trauma - dropping a heavy object on the foot or other injury to the area
- Repetitive strain injuries - running, hiking, or court sports
Morton's Neuroma Symptoms
Symptoms may include sensations of:
- Pain, tingling, and numbness
- Burning
- Feeling that something is in the shoe
Progression of Morton's Neuroma
- At first, the symptoms will occur on occasion when wearing pointy shoes or participating in certain physical activities.
- Symptoms will subside when the shoes are removed and activity stops.
- Symptoms will worsen over time particularly as the neuroma gets larger and the temporary changes to the nerve become permanent.
Treating Morton's Neuroma At Home
While you should definitely come in to get treated for your neuroma, there are some things you can do at home to relieve your pain. Check out the two videos below.
In Office Treatment of Morton's Neuroma in North Seattle
Morton's Neuroma can be treated by:
- Padding to decrease pressure of the nerves
- Icing to relieve inflammation and swelling
- Wearing footwear with a heel of one inch or lower with a wider toe box.
- Altering how you lace your shoes to relieve pressure on the front of your foot.
- Wearing orthotics to reduce the pressure on the nerve
- Receiving ultrasound guided injections of alcohol to shrink the neuroma.
- MLS laser to reduce inflammation, pain, and stimulate healing
In severe cases, surgical removal of the growth may be necessary.
Testimonials for Morton's Neuroma Treatment
I recently completed my care at Dr. Rion Berg's office for bilateral feet neuromas. Dr. Berg is knowledgeable, very engaging, personable, and genuinely interested and caring of his patients. My feet are much better, and I am grateful to be able to return to activities with less discomfort. I am also grateful I chose an independent practitioner to receive care from. With Dr. Berg's bio including PT as well as podiatry, I feel he has a unique perspective on seeing the whole picture for someone.
Dr Berg's office staff are all very friendly, helpful and thorough especially with assistance with the receipts I needed. Thank you to everyone at Dr. Berg's office and I highly recommend you seeking care there if you are in need of an awesome podiatrist!
Carrie L, Seattle
Dr. Berg and his staff were great to deal with. I mentioned to Dr Berg that I have been having a lot of pain in my toes in my right foot. As I was describing it, he immediately knew what my problem was and it had a name...Morton's neuroma. I have had this for 10 years. Other Dr took xrays and didn't see anything so I just dealt with the pain. A shot regimen and some laser treatments and pain is gone.
Evelyn K,, Mounlake Terrace
To learn more about other causes of ball of foot pain, visit us here!
