Are you suffering from foot pain centred around the ball of your foot? Are you looking for more information on 2 of the possible foot conditions that could be causing your discomfort? Keep reading to learn about the most common reasons behind ball-of-the-foot pain, Mortons Neuroma and Metatarsalgia.
While many foot ailments can cause trouble throughout the entire foot, there are only a couple of types of problems that crop up, centred around the ball of the foot. These two conditions, known as Mortons Neuroma and Metatarsalgia, are common disorders that can be effectively treated by your NYC podiatrist.
While they are both characterized by similar ball-of-the-foot pains, the other symptoms of these two conditions differ significantly. Keep reading to learn about the similarities, differences, and treatment options for both Mortons Neuroma and Metatarsalgia.
Our NYC Podiatrists Can Diagnose, Treat, and Create Customized Therapy Methods For Your Foot Condition
At To Healthy Feet Podiatry, our team of the best NYC podiatrists are effective at accurately diagnosing your condition and working with you and your individual needs to get you back on your feet quickly and safely. Whether you are suffering from Mortons Neuroma, Metatarsalgia, Drop Foot, or any other condition, we have the team to get you feeling your best.
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Pain in the Ball of Your Foot?
If you are suffering from substantial pain in the ball of your foot, it is likely a symptom of one of two possible foot conditions, known as Mortons Neuroma and Metatarsalgia. While they may seem similar, there are many key differences between them. Here is what sets them apart.
Metatarsalgia
Metatarsalgia is a condition that is characterized by inflammation and soreness in the metatarsal bones, or the bones that connect your toes to the rest of your foot. This can result in pain and inflammation in the ball of your foot, pain at the base of your toes, and pain that increases when you walk or move.
There are many possible causes of the condition, such as:
- Abnormal foot arches
- Uncomfortable footwear
- Illnesses such as diabetes, arthritis, or sesamoiditis
- Other medical issues such as obesity or ageing
LEARN MORE ABOUT METATARSALGIA
Mortons Neuroma
Although similar to Metatarsalgia, due to the high prevalence of pain in and around the ball of your foot, Mortons Neuroma is quite different. Morton’s Neuroma is a condition brought on by injuries to the nerves and tendons in the foot, heel, or toes. These injuries bring on swelling, pain, and a mass of tissue growth around the nerves as a bodily response to protect the nerves. This grouping of tissue, known as a Neuroma, can cause:
- Numbness of foot nerves
- Pain around the ball of the foot
- A small growth of tissue around the middle toes and ball of your foot
- Similar pain to that of standing on a small stone
Morton’s Neuroma is commonly brought on as a result of improper fitting shoes or the stress of wearing high heels for an extended period of time.
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO A MORTONS NEUROMA
So, What's The Difference?
After learning more about each ailment, you may still be confused about what the differences are and how you can truly determine for yourself which condition you may be suffering from. While a more accurate diagnosis can be determined by visiting your Downtown NYC podiatrist, there are some ways you can try and determine for yourself while at home.
- While both will feel painful in the ball’s of your feet, Morton’s Neuroma can also be distinguished by pain in the third and fourth toes
- Morton’s Neuroma also comes with numbness and a tingling sensation, while Metatarsalgia is more commonly characterized by dull pain
- The most substantial differentiator between the two is most definitely the prevalence of a mass between the ball of the foot, and the third and fourth toes
While you can try to diagnose your foot problem at home, it is highly recommended that you visit an NYC podiatrist to inspect your ailment and determine, with accuracy, what the issue is. At To Healthy Feet Podiatry, our team of foot doctors can advise and administer treatments for your Morton's Neuroma and Metatarsalgia, including:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical Therapy
- Custom Orthotics
- Surgery to realign the metatarsal bones
What Can I Do At Home?
Even if you are planning on visiting a foot doctor for your condition, you may still want to get the ball rolling on therapy at home. While we don’t recommend any substantial measures before your appointment, there are some at-home activities and remedies that are likely to help, such as:
- Rest and relaxation
- Ice and cold
- Over the counter pain relievers
- Wearing proper footwear
All of these options are safe and are likely to improve your condition.
Start Walking Tall Again At Our NYC Foot Clinic
At To Healthy Feet Podiatry, a foot and ankle clinic in Manhattan, NYC, our team of podiatrists have the capabilities to diagnose and treat all of your foot and ankle problems. If you believe you are suffering from the conditions listed above, or a different ailment such as achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or a foot fracture, contact our team today for effective treatment at 917-398-3668, or fill in our online contact form below.
