Even Steven Tyler Suffers from Morton's Neuroma Pain

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.

Orthotics 101

An orthosis is a device used by podiatrists to correct an abnormality in a patient's gait, or provide additional cushion and control for a surgically corrected condition. Orthotics can be made out of a variety of different materials, and many times are made by a podiatrist in office. The materials chosen for fabrication of the device are generally contingent upon the condition being treated and cost effectiveness. Orthotics are often times one of a podiatrists favorite tools as it allows them to treat an extremely broad variety of foot-related ailments with a minimally invasive technique. Once the orthosis is made it can simply be placed into the patients shoe similarly as an insole would be.     

Most insurance companies will cover the cost of an orthotic and they’re often times the best treatment for patients. Especially patients who can’t afford to spend time off their feet with any kind of surgical recovery. Some conditions that are commonly treated with an orthotic, but certainly not limited to are bunions, tailors bunions, hallux limitus and rigidus, ankle equinus, plantar fasciitis, digital subluxations, Morton’s Neuroma, high arched feet/Pes Cavus, Diabetes related conditions, and many more. 

If you have any kind of foot related pain, or think you might be a candidate for an orthotic, don’t hesitate to call one of Dr. Michael Garvin’s offices in the Port Saint Lucie area in southeast Florida. 772-335-7171  Dr. Garvin has been practicing for years and has spent this time perfecting the art of healing and controlling patients foot problems with orthoses. 

Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is classified as a nerve compression syndrome involving the common digital nerves found alongside the toes.  A neuroma is a growth or tumor of nerve tissue that can develop due to habitual pressure and irritation. This tumor that develops at the affected nerve is known as perineural fibrosis. Morton’s neuroma is most commonly seen at the 3rd common digital nerve, in the 3rd interspace of the forefoot near the toes. This condition is most common in women, and during middle age. The etiology of Morton’s neuroma surrounds nerve compression due to impingement of the nerve by a deep ligament, or the adjacent metatarsal heads. The compression that is the primary cause of this nerve irritation is generally caused by, but not limited to; shoes that have a narrow toe box, high heeled shoes, or pathologies that stem from irregularities in the gait cycle. 

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 currently experiencing do not hesitate to contact one of Dr. Garvin’s offices in Port Saint Lucie, Florida, or browse through his website for additional information.

Conquering Morton’s Neuroma: Conservative and Surgical Treatment

Do you ever feel like you are walking on a bruise? Maybe you are experiencing shooting pain or numbness between your toes, particularly when you have your shoes/sandals on? These symptoms are common in a condition known as Morton’s Neuroma. While the exact cause is unknown, this condition is typically exacerbated by wearing shoes that don’t fit you properly. This condition is most commonly seen in between the third and fourth toes, but can occur in between any of the toe interspaces in the foot. Most importantly, you need to make sure that your shoes have enough room in the toe box. Therefore, a wide shoe with good support is most appropriate.

Your podiatric physician will first assess your condition with a physical exam. X-rays will be taken to rule out more serious bone problems and if needed, MRI or diagnostic ultrasound will be used to assess the nerves and surrounding soft tissues. Morton’s neuroma will appear as a thickening or enlargement of the nerve tissue which is complicated by the repetitive movements of walking or squeezing your feet into shoes that are too small. Symptoms will vary among patients however it is not uncommon to experience burning and shooting pain in the toe area.

The first goal is to get you some immediate pain relief and attempt to stop it from reoccurring. This is accomplished through ‘conservative treatment’. There are a number of options regarding conservative care that are available including; Orthotics, change of shoes and Physical Therapy that Dr. Garvin can do before moving on to more invasive treatments, such as injections or surgery. Orthoses treatment consists of fitting your shoes with a custom made moldable device that will alleviate the areas of highest pressure, which in turn alleviates the symptoms caused by the painful neuroma.  If one of these conservative treatments does not eliminate the problem, your podiatric physician will discuss the more invasive surgical treatment with you. This type of treatment is usually considered a ‘last resort’ as there is the chance of complications with any surgical treatment. If the problem progresses to this stage, the damaged nerve will be removed while you are under sedation and effectively eliminate the pain.

Just remember, a trip to your specialist does not have to involve surgery. Our goal here at Foot and Ankle Specialist of the Treasure Coast is to keep you healthy and walking comfortably. There are often many conservative options for treatment with surgery typically the last one implemented. So stay healthy and keep your feet pain free!