Morton's Neuroma

A neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue. A Morton's Neuroma is a common digital nerve in the foot. The most common nerve that is affected is the third common digital nerve. The thickening of this nerve is the most common in the foot because this is where the lateral plantar nerve crosses over and joins with the medial plantar nerve. The thickening of the nerve diameter creates compression of the nerve. The nerve becomes irritated and may eventually lead to nerve damage. Neuroma's are very painful and are accompanied by tingling and burning sensations.

Morton's neuromas are caused by a number of things including poor fitting and tight shoes, and prexisting foot deformities such as bunions, hammertoes, and flat feet. Trauma and repetitive irritation can also contribute to the development of neuromas in the feet.

Treatments of Morton's Neuroma include:

• Padding to support the metatarsal arch, decreasing the pressure applied to the nerve during walking/ running
• Icing to help reduce swelling
• Orthotics to reduce pressure and compression of the nerve
• Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and associated pain
• Injection Therapy

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?

The Tarsal Tunnel is a space in the foot between the bones and the overlying tissue. This space contains muscles from the leg going to the foot, as well as the tibial nerve, posterior tibial artery, and posterior tibial vein. The tarsal tunnel has little room for the expansion of these structures and can lead to tarsal tunnel syndrome when the tibal nerve becomes entrapped as it enters the ankle region.

The entrapment of the tibial nerve makes it difficult for the foot to communicate with the brain, as the nerve impuses are restricted. This causes pain in the sole of the foot along with a burning or tingling sensation.

The tibial nerve can become entrapped for several reasons. Flat feet can put strain on the muscles in the tarsal tunnel region causing them to impinge on the tibial nerve. Trauma to the ankle, such as a fracture or a injury of the tissue in the area, can also compress the tibial nerve.

Treatment options include arch supports or custom orthotics for patients with flat feet. Anti-inflammatory medications and cortisone injections help to reduce any inflammation that may be causing the tibial nerve to become compressed. There is also the option of having the the nerve released surgically.

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Bunions

A bunion appears as a bump on the side of the big toe. This bump represents a change in the bone structure of your foot. The bump of a bunion is developed by the progressive angulation of the big toe toward the second toe. Symptoms include pain and inflammation. Treatments for bunions include padding, modifying footwear, pain medications, and orthotic devices. There is also the option of having your bunion surgically corrected.