Potential Treatment Options For Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a painful, irritating foot condition that affects a group of nerves inside the sole of your foot. The growth that occurs inside of the foot can make it feel as though you're constantly standing on a small rock, which isn't a pleasant feeling. If you've visited your local podiatrist because of this feeling and they've diagnosed you with Morton's neuroma, it's time to discuss treatment options. There are a few different ways that a podiatrist can treat this condition, so you can discuss what you feel will be right for you.
Steroid Injections
One of the simplest ways that your podiatrist may decide to treat your Morton's neuroma is with one or more steroid injections in the sole of the affected foot. These injections can help to reduce the swelling and inflammation that are present when you have this condition. Over time, this can make the bump that you feel when you're standing far less obvious. You may also experience a reduction in your other symptoms, including pain and tingling. It may be necessary to have these shots regularly to help keep your symptoms at bay.
Custom Orthotics
Many podiatrists advocate for the use of custom orthotics, given the non-invasive nature of this treatment option. An orthotic that you wear in the shoe of the affected foot can provide an extra layer of cushioning that may help to reduce your discomfort. Unlike buying a shoe insert in a sporting goods store, your podiatrist will specifically make your orthotic based on the foot condition that you're dealing with. Your podiatrist will carefully measure your foot, making notes about the exact position of your Morton's neuroma, and then begin the process of creating the orthotic. You'll get a call when this device is ready to pick up and begin using.
Surgery
While some patients try to hold off having surgery for as long as possible, this is a treatment option that is often necessary. Surgery for Morton's neuroma will remove the mass and some of the nerves that are affected by the mass. This is not a major surgery, but it will require a bit of time from which to recover. Because the surgery involves removing some of the nerves, you'll have a small area in the sole of your foot in which you don't have any feeling. For many patients, this can be preferable to the discomfort and tingling that they've been dealing with for months or years.
For more info, contact a local podiatrist.