For the evaluation and treatment of foot pain, patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding Florida areas can turn to the outstanding team of physicians at Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. We proudly offer a full range of innovative treatments, including both surgical and non-surgical options, for foot pain and other conditions and injuries affecting the musculoskeletal system.
One common cause of foot pain is Morton’s neuroma, which is essentially an inflamed nerve in the ball of the foot, usually located between the second and third toes. A neuroma is actually a benign growth of nerve tissue. This condition can develop suddenly through trauma to the foot, or gradually when the toes are tightly squeezed together, which is most often caused by ill-fitting footwear worn on a regular basis. As a result, a nerve can become irritated and swollen, which can lead to foot pain along with a sharp, burning sensation that worsens when weight is placed on the foot.
To diagnose the cause of foot pain, a physician at Tampa Orthopaedic in Tampa, FL, will talk with a patient to learn about his or her condition, symptoms, lifestyle, and footwear. Following the interview, the physician will perform a physical examination and possibly order x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI images.
The treatment recommended for foot pain caused by Morton’s neuroma will depend on several factors, including the severity and duration of the symptoms. Generally, the earlier the condition is diagnosed, the less likely surgery will be required. The most important step to ensure recovery is to wear flat-soled, wide-toed shoes. Other measures that many patients find helpful include:
- Rest
- Massage
- Ice
- Arch supports (a doctor might recommend a custom-made, individually designed shoe-insert that is molded to fit the contours of a patient’s foot)
- Pain medications
- Weight management
- Steroid injections
If you have foot pain, please contact Tampa Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Group. Patients from Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, and the surrounding Florida areas can receive personalized care from our exceptional team of orthopaedic experts, which is led by Daniel Murphy, M.D., a Board-certified surgeon who serves as a team physician for the New York Yankees, and Arnold Ramirez, M.D., a Board-certified sports medicine doctor who serves as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
