Foot Pain
Foot pain is extremely common and can develop for a variety of reasons, including overuse, injuries, underlying health conditions, and improper footwear. At Collective Foot and Wellness, we work hard to help you feel good on your feet, starting with identifying the underlying cause of your foot pain.
Morton’s Neuroma
One possible cause of pain in the forefoot is Morton’s neuroma. A Morton’s neuroma is inflammation on a nerve in your foot. More specifically, it’s an enlargement in the interdigital nerves between the metatarsal bones that connect your foot to your third and fourth toes (your middle toes closest to your pinkie toe).
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, the affected nerve is thickened and swollen. This can make it painful or hard to walk. You’ll usually feel pain on the ball of your foot, between your toes. It might feel like there’s a stone in your shoe or you’re stepping on a marble.
Morton’s neuroma symptoms usually get worse over time. You might notice some minor pain at first that goes away with rest or after you take off your shoe and massage your foot. As the inflammation on your affected nerve gets worse, your symptoms will become more noticeable. For this reason, it is vital for those who suspect they have a Morton’s neuroma to see a Chiropodist to learn how to relieve this discomfort and reduce the inflammation in the affected nerve.
Bunions
A bunion is a bone deformity that develops when the big toe moves out of place towards the smaller toes. It is characterized by the enlargement of the metatarsophalangeal joint, or joint at the base and side of the big toe. The enlargement and protuberance cause friction and pressure as they rub against footwear, often causing foot pain and discomfort.
There are two common bunion conditions. When the big toe angles in toward the smaller toes and overlaps a third toe, it’s known as hallux valgus. When the big toe moves toward the second toe and rotates or twists, it’s known as hallus abducto valgus. Both require treatment to prevent discomfort, pain, and progression.
If you suffer from these symptoms, it’s important to visit a Chiropodist to properly diagnose your bunions and take action to prevent the condition from progressing.
