In a recent interview, Steven Tyler the Aerosmith frontman admitted that he suffered from severe foot pain due to a Morton’s neuroma he developed from years of entertaining. The pain he experienced from the neuroma was great enough that it was part of the motivation behind his decision to judge on American Idol, as it allowed him to stay off of his feet.
A Morton’s neuroma is classified as a nerve compression syndrome; most commonly involving the digital nerves found alongside the metatarsals, & leading into the toes. A neuroma is a growth of nerve tissue that can develop due to habitual pressure and irritation. A deep ligament in the foot, and the metatarsals that surround the nerve(s) rub against it, causing what is known as perineural fibrosis. Morton’s neuromas are most commonly seen in the 3rd interspace of the forefoot. This condition is most common in women, and during middle age. In Steven Tyler’s case, the compression or irritation that most likely caused the abnormal growth of nerve tissue was due to overuse, and possibly improper footwear as well. The reason women often suffer from neuromas is due to their choice of footwear with narrow toe-boxes, such as high heels. The narrow toe box doesn’t offer the forefoot proper space; this causes all the structures in the forefoot to become crowded, and cause the ligaments and bones to impinge upon the nerves causing irritation and eventually neuroma development. Not all neuromas are due to footwear choices. Some foot types or individuals with abnormal gait patterns are also more prone to developing neuromas.
The symptoms that generally present with a Morton’s neuroma are pain that radiates to the toes, or more proximally into the foot, burning, numbness and tingling. Additionally, the pain is often times described as sharp. Many patients will describe the feeling or sensation of having a pebble or sock bunched up under the ball of their foot. Pain usually worsens with walking, and is almost always further exacerbated by wearing shoes that cause compression at the metatarsal heads.
The diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma is based upon clinical presentation. A podiatrist like Dr. Michael Garvin will use a variety of minimally invasive techniques to accurately diagnose this nerve condition, so patients can get back to being pain free as soon as possible. If any of these aforementioned symptoms sound similar to pain you’re experiencing don't hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, or browse through his website for additional information.
A Morton’s neuroma is classified as a nerve compression syndrome; most commonly involving the digital nerves found alongside the metatarsals, & leading into the toes. A neuroma is a growth of nerve tissue that can develop due to habitual pressure and irritation. A deep ligament in the foot, and the metatarsals that surround the nerve(s) rub against it, causing what is known as perineural fibrosis. Morton’s neuromas are most commonly seen in the 3rd interspace of the forefoot. This condition is most common in women, and during middle age. In Steven Tyler’s case, the compression or irritation that most likely caused the abnormal growth of nerve tissue was due to overuse, and possibly improper footwear as well. The reason women often suffer from neuromas is due to their choice of footwear with narrow toe-boxes, such as high heels. The narrow toe box doesn’t offer the forefoot proper space; this causes all the structures in the forefoot to become crowded, and cause the ligaments and bones to impinge upon the nerves causing irritation and eventually neuroma development. Not all neuromas are due to footwear choices. Some foot types or individuals with abnormal gait patterns are also more prone to developing neuromas.
The symptoms that generally present with a Morton’s neuroma are pain that radiates to the toes, or more proximally into the foot, burning, numbness and tingling. Additionally, the pain is often times described as sharp. Many patients will describe the feeling or sensation of having a pebble or sock bunched up under the ball of their foot. Pain usually worsens with walking, and is almost always further exacerbated by wearing shoes that cause compression at the metatarsal heads.
The diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma is based upon clinical presentation. A podiatrist like Dr. Michael Garvin will use a variety of minimally invasive techniques to accurately diagnose this nerve condition, so patients can get back to being pain free as soon as possible. If any of these aforementioned symptoms sound similar to pain you’re experiencing don't hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, or browse through his website for additional information.
