Morton's neuroma is a nerve disorder of the foot. It can be a very debilitating problem, especially for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. It is mostly treatable with rest, ice, drug therapy and possibly surgery. Cardiovascular exercise may be contraindicated because of the pressure it puts on the foot, but if proper exercises are done and precautions are adhered to, them there are still ways to get a good workout in without exacerbating the condition. If you feel you may have Morton's neuroma, talk to a doctor about its severity before continuing exercise.
Description
Morton's neuroma is a condition where connective tissue surrounding a nerve in the foot, usually between the third and fourth toes, begins to swell or grow. According to MayoClinic.com, the swelling causes a burning or tingling sensation in the ball of the foot, especially when doing impact exercises. There are no visual signs of Morton's neuroma, but it may feel like you are walking on a pebble, which makes cardiovascular exercise uncomfortable. Intense cardiovascular exercise can further exacerbate the condition and is usually not recommended.
Rehabilitation
Morton's neuroma is treatable with the aid of a doctor, and some forms of treatment include anti-inflammatory drugs or injections. Ceasing physical activity and impact exercises is usually the first form of rehabilitation. You may have to wear arch supports or orthotics to ease pressure on the neuroma. Icing your foot to decrease swelling, especially after an active day or exercise is also recommended. In serious cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the neuroma.
Exercise
Because impact exercise can increase severity of Morton's neuroma, it is best to avoid anything that causes repetitive foot strike on the ground. Switch your cardiovascular exercise to cycling or swimming. Swimming provides an excellent aerobic workout while also toning the muscles. When cycling, chose a recumbent bike where you sit back and your legs are in front of your body rather than an upright bike where your legs are underneath you. This will help keep the swelling down and put less pressure on the feet.
Guidelines
Before engaging in any type of exercise, incorporate a long cardiovascular warm-up period to get the blood flowing to the feet. This can be a light cycle on the bike or a light swim. The American Council on Exercise recommends that healthy individuals engage in cardiovascular activity on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes. These guidelines still apply to people with Morton's neuroma, however you just need to keep the intensity down and stop if you feel pain or tingling in the feet.
Prevention
Morton's neuroma can be caused by slight foot abnormalities or previous injuries that cause you to put more pressure on certain areas of the foot than others. Find a podiatrist or a shoe expert and make sure your exercise shoes are fitting properly. If you run or jog, avoid running on hard surfaces such as concrete. Do not wear high-heeled shoes or shoes with pointed toes that push the foot out of natural alignment and put unnecessary pressure on the ball of the foot. Distance runners have a high risk of developing Morton's neuroma so if you are able to, vary what types of cardiovascular exercise you do.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Morton's Neuroma
- OhioHealth Online: Morton's Neuroma
- "Advanced Health and Fitness Specialist Manual"; American Council on Exercise; 2009
