If you've been feeling pain in the ball of your foot, it might be Morton's neuroma which can be pretty uncomfortable.

Here at Bucks Podiatry, we provide a variety of effective treatments for Morton's neuroma to assist with recovery.

Morton’s neuroma is associated with metatarsalgia. It causes discomfort in the sole of the foot and often radiates pain toward the toes.

In Morton's neuroma, a thickened and inflamed nerve sheath can become trapped between the metatarsal bones, causing discomfort. While the swelling is not visible beneath the skin, it can lead to pain.

Starting in the ball of the foot, Morton’s neuroma often begins with mild symptoms that progressively worsen over time. The pain can spread from the ends of the metatarsal bones to the toes, along the foot, and up the leg.

Symptoms include:

For many people, Morton's neuroma symptoms worsen when they walk or run.

Morton's neuromas are about eight times more common in women than in men and usually affect individuals aged 30 to 60, although they can also occur in people outside of this age range.

The cause of Morton's neuroma is not fully known, but research suggests it may be due to the compression of the digital plantar nerves, triggering swelling and abnormal tissue formation. Causes of this compression include:

Biomechanical: Your walking style could be placing more weight on the outside of your foot.

Anatomical: The shape of your foot and genetic factors.

Footwear-related: Wearing high-heeled: shoes can cause excessive compression, leading to nerve swelling and an increased risk of Morton’s neuroma.

Activity or sport-related: Engaging in sports like dancing, cycling, skiing, and football can lead to Morton’s neuroma.

Treatment options will be determined based on the severity of the neuroma.

A Morton's neuroma will not resolve by itself.

The recovery time for mild cases of Morton’s Neuroma can be as quick as 2-4 weeks, while moderate cases typically take longer.

In severe cases, symptoms may reduce rapidly following a steroid injection. However, if surgery is necessary, the initial healing time is typically 6-8 weeks, with complete swelling reduction potentially taking up to twelve months.

If you are experiencing discomfort from Morton's neuroma, don't hesitate to contact us at Bucks Podiatry for professional treatment.  We can accurately diagnose the root cause of your condition and offer personalised treatment options to help relieve your symptoms and improve your overall foot health.