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Don’t let Morton’s neuroma stop you in your tracks this winter

Benn Boshall • 13 February 2023

Podiatrist Benn talks about Morton's neuroma

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a very common cause of foot pain which involves a benign tumour growth of one of the nerves in the ball of the foot

What causes Morton’s neuroma?

There are many theories however the most accepted understanding is that it is due to repetitive compression of one of the nerves between the toes. Over time this causes repetitive trauma that develops into painful thickening around the affected nerve which becomes a benign tumour. This is why it is worse if you wear tight fitting shoes or shoes or high heels.

What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?

A feeling as if you're standing on a pebble in your shoe
A burning pain in the ball of your foot that may radiate into your toes
Tingling or numbness in your toes

In addition to these symptoms, you may find that removing your shoe and rubbing your foot often helps to relieve the pain.

How is it diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on your symptoms and a clinical examination by a podiatrist. This alone can provide an accurate a reliable diagnosis. In some cases, you may require further investigation such as an ultrasound scan to confirm diagnosis.

Can it be treated?

Morton’s neuroma is a treatable condition with the main focus aimed at reducing repetitive injury to the affected nerve and reducing inflammation. Some common treatment options include:

·Wearing accommodative footwear – a podiatrist will offer specialised advice on this

·Orthotics (insoles) designed to take pressure off of the neuroma

·Corticosteroid injection which reduces inflammation around the nerve and breaks the pain cycle

·Surgery – this involves removing the neuroma and is typically done under local anaesthetic

If you think you may have a Morton’s neuroma book an appointment with one of our podiatrists and get on top of your pain

01242 673507

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What is Therapeutic Laser?

by Lucy Donnelly • 15 October 2024

What is therapeutic laser? And how does it work? Therapeutic laser uses the power of light to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling as well as to encourage your body’s own healing mechanisms. It’s great for treating a huge range of problems including tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, wounds, bursitis, muscle tears and injuries. Laser can be used on both chronic (long term) and acute (recent) conditions. My 2 most recent successes that have totally stunned me as to how well they responded were a chronic back pain giving sciatic pain in the leg and an acute knee anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Both very different conditions where we used different layered settings, but both responded incredibly well and only needed up to 3 treatments. We have had our laser machine for 18 months now and I've only had 2 patients wish to stop their treatments due to limited benefits... most are keen to have the full course of 6 treatments or more. Laser therapy involves directing light energy into inflamed or damaged tissue to accelerate the body's natural healing process. The laser is placed in direct contact with the skin which enables specific wavelengths of light to penetrate the tissue and interact with molecules within the cells to cause several biochemical effects. One of the most important effects of laser therapy is encouraging blood flow into the area being treated. This means the cells there have a better supply of oxygen and nutrients and that waste products and swelling can be flushed out. Laser helps to reduce pain by slowing down the speed of the pain messages in nerves and it reduces inflammation by lowering the number of cells promoting the inflammatory process in the area treated. After laser treatment muscles are better able to relax and movement can become easier as a result. The treatment is painless, non-invasive and offers a drug free alternative to anti-inflammatories, pain killers and steroid injections. If you’re interested in how laser treatment could help you, please get in touch for more information 01242 673507 or mail@villageclinic.co.uk