Sports Medicine: High impact sports can result in sharp burning pain in the ball of your foot!

Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of your foot, most commonly the area between your third and fourth toes.

Morton’s neuroma involves a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes.

CAUSES

• This can cause a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot.
• Your toes also may sting, burn or feel numb or tingling in your toes.

FACTORS

• High heel Shoes. Tight or ill fitting shoes can place extra pressure on your toes and the ball of your foot.
• High Impact Sports.  Repetitive trauma to your feet from running and or sports activities with tight shoes, such as snow skiing or rock climbing, can put pressure on your toes.
• Foot deformities. People who have bunions, hammertoes, high arches or flatfeet are at higher risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

 ASSESSMENT / DIAGNOSTIC

1. When did your symptoms begin?
2. Did your symptoms begin gradually or suddenly?
3. What type of footwear do you wear for work?  Is the pain worse in certain pairs of shoes?
4. Does any type of activity ease the pain or worsen it?  Do you participate in sports? If so, what types in particular?
5. Are you having pain in any other part of your body?
6. What medications and supplements do you take regularly?

 TREATMENT OPTIONS 

• Arch supports and foot pads fit inside your shoe and help reduce pressure on the nerve.
• Injections. Some people are helped by the injection of steroids into the painful area.
• Decompression surgery.  Surgically removing pressure points on nerves such as the nerve, ligament or bone or growths  may provide pain relief.  Caution is advised as these procedures can result in permanent numbness in the affected toes.

BASE – SAFE SOLUTIONS

• Anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Regular ice massage may help reduce pain.
• Footwear. Avoid high heels or tight shoes. Select shoes with a broad toe box and extra depth.
• Rest. Reduce high impact activities on your feet such as jogging, aerobic exercise or dancing until your pain subsides.

Never let any painful condition go untreated. If the pain and discomfort persist for over 10 days contact Dr. Raymond DiPretoro, Jr. At Advanced Foot & Ankle Center immediately for an examination.