What is Morton’s Neuroma and How Should You Treat It?

Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition centered around the ball of the foot. It’s most commonly found in the area between your third and fourth toe. It may feel like there’s constantly a pebble in your shoe. It happens when the tissue around the nerves leading to your toes thickens and compresses the nerve. The compression may cause the nerve to become irritated and enlarge. Morton’s neuroma can be caused by wearing shoes that are tapered at the toe box or high heeled shoes that push on the toe box. Individuals with certain foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet may be more prone to the condition. Symptoms include tingling, burning, or numbness at the ball of the foot or feeling like something is inside your shoe,  like your sock is all bunched up.

Treating Morton’s Neuroma

1. Ice the impacted area to reduce swelling. 2. Wear shoes with a wider toe box and avoid narrow toed shoes or high heels. 3. Apply a topical anti-inflammatory with natural ingredients like Devil’s Claw. Devil's Claw is the dried roots of an African plant that possesses anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties. Topical treatments containing ginger are also a great option. Ginger contains a variety of antioxidants and also helps reduce inflammation and pain. Sara Novak is a Natural Health Care Expert for Zax Health. Follow her on Twitter at @sarafnovak.