Treatment options for foot pain
Q&A with Dr. Manny: I've just been diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma in my left foot. What are my treatment options?
Did you know you have 26 bones, 33 joints and more than 100 muscles in your foot? With such a complex structure, it’s no wonder foot pain is so common.
We recently got this question from a viewer in Texas:
Hello Dr. Manny,
I've just been diagnosed with Morton's Neuroma in my left foot, and it's very painful. What are my treatment options?
Thanks,
Donna
Morton’s Neuroma is caused by a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that leads out to your toes. It usually happens between the third and fourth toes, and can sometimes feel like a pebble stuck in your sock.
Risk factors for the condition include:
- Having foot abnormalities like bunions, hammertoes or arch problems
- Wearing high heels, which can put extra pressure on your toes
- Participating in high-impact sports like running, which can cause repetitive trauma to your feet
Treatment options for Morton’s Neuroma depend on the severity of your symptoms, but here are some options your doctor may suggest:
- Wearing shoes with wider toe boxes
- Using over-the-counter arch supports and foot pads
- Physical therapy
- A prescription for custom-made orthotics
- Anti-inflammatory medications taken orally or injected into the area
- Nerve-blocking injections
- Decompression surgery that relieves pressure by cutting nearby strictures
- Surgery to remove the nerve causing pain
Talk to your doctor to decide on the best treatment option for you.
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