Morton's Neuroma Specialist

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a noncancerous condition in which the tissue surrounding one of the nerves in the ball of your foot thickens. This tissue thickening, which typically happens between your third and fourth toes, can cause pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in that area. 

Many Morton's neuroma sufferers say that the neuroma feels like they have a small rock lodged under their foot. Although you can't see this type of neuroma on the bottom of your foot, the symptoms are usually quite obvious.

What causes Morton's neuroma?

The primary cause of Morton's neuroma is poorly fitted shoes, especially high-heeled shoes that force the balls of your feet to absorb extra pressure. Because women are the main wearers of this shoe type, they're far more likely to develop Morton's neuroma. Other things that could cause Morton's neuroma include:

• Trauma to the foot
• Biomechanical foot imbalance, like a flat foot or high arches
• Repetitive stress on your feet (e.g., distance running)
• Tight-fitting athletic shoes, like pointe shoes for ballet

Some of these causes are preventable, so if you got Morton's neuroma because of a preventable reason like daily high-heels wear, some lifestyle changes will likely be part of your treatment. 

How is Morton's neuroma diagnosed?

The Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists team can perform a foot exam to look for the neuroma while discussing your symptoms with you. You may also need imaging tests such as an X-ray or ultrasound to eliminate other conditions and verify the diagnosis. 

How is Morton's neuroma treated?

Morton's neuroma treatment from Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists is usually noninvasive. The most common approaches include:

• Footwear changes, like switching to lower-heeled shoes
• Padding the ball of your foot
• Custom orthotics to correct underlying foot function issues
• Corticosteroid or anti-inflammatory injections
• Ice pack application
• Oral anti-inflammatory drugs
• Prescribed foot and toe exercises

If noninvasive approaches aren't successful, you may need surgery. Surgical approaches include decompression surgery that cuts ligaments or other structures connected to the painful nerve, or neurectomy that removes the affected nerve. Morton’s neuroma surgery is usually an outpatient procedure.  

Get rid of that permanent pebble-in-shoe feeling by calling the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists office nearest you or using the online scheduling tool today for neuroma relief.