08 Oct Could You Be Missing This Key Piece of the Puzzle in Treating Morton’s Neuroma?
Could You Be Missing This Key Piece of the Puzzle in Treating Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s Neuroma is a condition we frequently see at The Foot Studio, and it can cause significant discomfort if left untreated. It is a compressive neuropathy affecting the nerve in the forefoot, typically between the third and fourth toes. This compression irritates the nerve, leading to sharp pain, burning sensations, or the feeling that you’re walking on a pebble.
While we excel at providing immediate relief, where we truly shine at The Foot Studio is addressing the underlying cause of the neuroma to prevent it from returning. Morton’s Neuroma often arises from biomechanical issues, such as joint restrictions, bunions, reduced ankle mobility, or calf muscle tightness. Identifying and treating these underlying factors is crucial to long-term success, and we are dedicated to putting strategies in place that reduce your risk of future neuromas.
Common Symptoms and Why Proper Diagnosis is Key
Patients with Morton’s Neuroma typically report pain in the ball of the foot that can radiate into the toes or even up the leg. This pain is often aggravated by wearing tight shoes or high heels and relieved by removing shoes or resting. The sensation is frequently described as walking on a marble, with others experiencing tingling or numbness.
However, neuroma-like symptoms can be caused by a range of other conditions, including plantar plate tears, tendon injuries, or referred pain from elsewhere in the body, such as the midfoot, inside the ankle, behind the knee, or even the lower back. This is why a thorough assessment is crucial—ensuring we identify the root cause of your pain allows us to develop an effective, long-term treatment plan that addresses more than just the symptoms.
Why Addressing the Underlying Cause is Crucial
At The Foot Studio, we don’t just focus on immediate relief; we take it a step further by addressing the underlying biomechanical issues that led to your neuroma in the first place. For example, if you have joint restrictions or muscle tightness in the ankle or calf, this can cause you to overload certain parts of your foot, increasing pressure on the nerve and contributing to the development of a neuroma.
Common issues we address include:
- Joint Restrictions: Reduced mobility in the ankle or other foot joints can cause excess pressure in the forefoot, leading to neuroma development.
- Bunions: Misalignment of the toes due to bunions can alter foot mechanics and create areas of high pressure, increasing the risk of nerve irritation.
- Calf Muscle Tightness: Tight calf muscles can limit ankle motion, forcing the forefoot to bear more pressure during movement, which can contribute to the development of a neuroma.
By identifying and correcting these underlying issues, we can create a tailored treatment plan that not only relieves your current symptoms but also reduces your risk of the neuroma returning.
Treatment Options: What We Offer at The Foot Studio
Once we have identified the underlying cause of your Morton’s Neuroma, we work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that fits your goals. Whether your aim is to get back to running, improve daily comfort, or prevent the issue from coming back, we offer a variety of treatment options to suit your needs:
- Footwear Modification: Shoes with a wider toe box and softer soles can relieve nerve pressure and improve comfort.
- Orthotics: Custom orthotics, designed to address specific biomechanical issues like joint restrictions or bunions, can redistribute pressure and reduce strain on the affected nerve.
- Photobiomodulation Therapy (High-Power Laser Therapy): This advanced laser treatment helps reduce inflammation, promote healing, and provide relief from nerve pain.
- Dry Needling: This can relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, helping to reduce the irritation on the nerve.
- Gentle Mobilisation Therapy: We softly mobilise joints in the foot and ankle to improve mobility and correct any misalignment contributing to the neuroma.
- Gentle Foot and Ankle Exercises: Strengthening exercises that target the foot and ankle can help improve function, reduce tightness, and prevent recurrence.
- Local Anaesthetic Injection Therapies: Did you know that research shows local anaesthetic injections are just as effective as cortisone injections for the treatment of Morton’s Neuroma, yet they come with significantly fewer risks? Unlike cortisone, which can lead to complications such as fat pad atrophy or skin discoloration, local anaesthetic injections provide effective pain relief without these side effects. This makes them a safer, highly effective option for managing neuroma-related discomfort.
Why a Tailored Treatment Plan Matters
Every patient is different, and that’s why we believe in creating personalised treatment plans at The Foot Studio. Our tailored approach focuses not only on relieving your current symptoms but also on addressing the root cause of your condition to prevent it from recurring.
By putting strategies in place to correct underlying issues like joint restrictions or muscle tightness, we ensure that you can recover more fully and reduce the chance of the neuroma coming back. Our experienced team works closely with you to find the best solution that meets your goals, whether it’s returning to sport or simply living pain-free.
If you’re experiencing foot pain or think you might have Morton’s Neuroma, contact us today. Together, we’ll create a plan to get you feeling your best and keep you moving forward!
This version incorporates the new information about local anaesthetic injections, ensuring the blog post remains informative and engaging while addressing key patient concerns.
Laura 🌿
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