Shoes Giving Your Feet Fits? It May Be a Morton's Neuroma

You put on your favorite pair of shoes and head out for a day on the town. The only problem? With every step, you experience a pain in your foot that's impossible to ignore.

Why is this happening? It's quite possible that you have Morton's Neuroma, a foot condition that affects one in three people.

Chances are, the culprit is your footwear. Women are far more likely to develop Morton's Neuroma in large part because women's footwear is often narrow or tight in the toe area.

What can you do to improve your foot health and recover from Morton's Neuroma? Read on to find out.

Symptoms of Morton's Neuroma

It's not always easy to tell the difference between Morton's Neuroma and other foot conditions such as bunions or hammertoe. However, Morton's Neuroma can produce unique symptoms, including:

• numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or other forms of pain in the toes or heel
• the sensation of something growing or swelling in the ball of the foot
• the sensation of having a rock in your shoe or some other solid object that is creating pressure

Often, you'll experience relief after removing certain shoes or abstaining from certain activities. Over time, however, these symptoms can become more severe or persistent, lasting from hours to weeks at a time.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

As we mentioned earlier, wearing the wrong footwear is the leading cause of Morton's Neuroma. Shoes that force the toes into the toe box can lead to pinched nerves and bone compression, especially if worn often. High-heeled shoes can also irritate the nerve in the ball of the foot.

There are additional circumstances that can increase your chances of developing Morton's Neuroma. For example, foot inflammation or conditions like bunions or flat feet can cause Morton's Neuroma to develop as a secondary condition. Physical activities that put repetitive strain on the feet, like jogging or sports played on courts, can also increase the chance of developing Morton's Neuroma.

Treating Morton's Neuroma

The good news is that Morton's Neuroma doesn't require invasive treatment. At most, you may need a cortisone shot to reduce swelling or nerve inflammation. You may also want to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to manage discomfort.

Long-term solutions almost always involve changing up your footwear. You may want to consider orthotic insoles to reduce the pain and pressure on your feet while you recover. You should also swap out your tight or high-heeled shoes for a pair of shoes that offer more support.

Get Better Footwear from APEX

It's easy to take foot health for granted, but something like Morton's Neuroma can disrupt your day and limit your physical abilities. It's time to take your foot health into your own hands and invest in footwear that is designed for comfort and protection.

Consider APEX footwear for increased support. Take a look at our footwear for Morton's Neuroma to find out which of our shoes are best for your needs.