How to Identify Morton's Neuroma and How to Treat It

Image via WikipediaMorton's neuroma is an inflammation of the nerve fibers between the balls of the foot. Though a neuroma can occur anywhere in the foot, this type is usually found between the third and fourth toes.

Morton's neuroma, also called intermetatarsal neuroma, is caused by constant pressure to the nerves between the toes of the foot. This irritates the nerves causing inflammation and swelling.

Morton's neuroma symptoms start with numbness, tingling or burning sensation of the foot. In moderate cases, foot pain is characterized by shooting pain underneath the foot. In advanced cases, pain can be so severe and some patients may not be able to walk for many hours or days.

Non-surgical treatment involves applying ice packs, use of foot padding, wearing orthotic devices, behavioral modifications, taking pain relievers and directly injecting steroids on the affected area. These treatments are aimed in reducing pain and swelling.

Your podiatrist will likely suggest surgery if the above management do not provide pain relief. A surgical procedure that freezes the neuroma is an effective treatment. This is called cryosurgery of neuromas. The procedure requires only a small incision, then a probe is inserted and placed where the neuroma is located, this takes less than 20 minutes. Ultrasound is used to guide the metal probe real time. Then the neuroma is cooled down to -70 Fahrenheit. This is a relatively easy procedure in expert hands that require no stitching.

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What Causes Pain at the Back of the Foot?

Image via WikipediaThe Achilles tendon is the largest and toughest tendon in the body. It is an important structure that help us balance. It is important in running and walking. This tendon can store energy when running, it works very much like a spring, and this springing action can increase running speeds without using much energy.

Tendons and ligaments are very similar in structure and function, the only difference is their attachment. Tendons attach muscle to bone and ligaments, ligaments attach bone to bone.

From above, the Achilles tendon attaches to the calf muscles: soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. And from below, the tendon attaches to the middle portion of the calcaneus, also called heel bone. Directly above the attachment on heel bone, there is a fluid-filled, pillow-like structure called the Retrocalcaneal Bursa. This serves a cushion between the Achilles tendon and heel bone, preventing these structures from being "rubbed together".

Heel pain is one of the most common foot complaints in adults of all ages. There are many causes of pain involving this area and pain affecting the posterior or back of the heel involves all structures discussed above. The following are the pathologic conditions involving each structure:

Retrocalcaneal bursitis is a swelling or inflammation of the retrocalcaneal bursa. Too much use of the ankle sometimes irritates this bursa and cause painful inflammation. This condition is often triggered by aggressive exercise or a sudden increase in activity without initial stretching and conditioning.

Calcaneal Spur. Normally, there is a bony prominence that is palpable at the heel bone. This is actually the insertion of the Achilles tendon to the calcaneal bone. Over time, this bony prominence can enlarge irritating the Achilles tendon. This bony growth is called Haglund's Deformity (pump bump).

Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The cause can be due to the conditions above, tear during strenuous activities, or the natural "wear and tear" degeneration because of aging causing foot pain.

Things You Should Know About Heel Pain

Image via Wikipedia

Heel pain is one of the common foot problems in adults. It occurs mostly among active individuals, people who are overweight, those using improper footwear, females or simply reaching the age of 40 and above.

The feet have an important function in absorbing all the weight of the body while walking. At the same time, they help provide stability and balance. The heel bone is the largest of all the bones of the foot.

The heel is the part of the foot that first comes in contact with the ground while walking. Daily walking or other activities like running or jogging can put stress to the heel. Over time, this stress can result to injury to the heel leading to heel pain.

At first, heel pain is only minimal and tolerable, this is commonly ignored because the heel naturally heals itself and the pain usually disappears. But in some cases the healing process is overcome with the constant injury induced by daily activities. If this is not addressed properly and again ignored, this can lead to heel pain.

The occurrence of chronic heel pain happens when an acute pain is managed with pain medications. Pain relievers reduce or sometimes totally stop the pain. This is an improper way to treating foot pain because it can mask foot problems which can actually get more severe in the future. When the heel pain is gone we continue to use the injured foot instead of resting and giving it time to heal.

Generally, heel pain in general can be caused by several factors but commonly involves injury to the plantar fascia (plantar fasciitis) and the Achilles tendon (Achilles tendonitis). In some cases, due to muscle tension and strain, bone formation can occur due to the inflammatory response called periostitis. The bone always grows towards the pulling and can cause severe pain.