Morton’s Neuroma Treatment | Top Arizona Foot Specialists

Understanding Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma represents a thickening of nerve tissue that can occur in various body areas. The Morton’s neuroma is the most prevalent form, situated between the third and fourth toes and often labeled an intermetatarsal neuroma, signifying its position in the foot’s ball among the metatarsal bones. Neuromas can also develop in other areas of the foot.

This nerve tissue enlargement, characterizing a neuroma, results from nerve compression and irritation. Such compression leads to the nerve’s bulging, eliciting the signs of Morton’s neuroma, and may eventually cause irreparable nerve damage.

Common Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

A neuroma can stem from anything that compresses or irritates the nerve. Some of the most common culprits include:

Shoes with narrow toe boxes or high heels that push the toes into the toe box
Foot deformities like bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet
Repetitive stress activities to the foot’s ball, like running or court sports
Any injury or trauma to the area

Signs and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma symptoms at the site of nerve damage may include:

Tingling, burning, numbness, or pain
The sensation of an object in the ball of the foot
Feeling as if something is in the shoe or a sock is crumpled

Symptoms typically develop gradually and might occur occasionally when wearing tight shoes or during certain activities. They can be temporarily alleviated by removing the shoe, massaging the foot, or avoiding stress-inducing activities and shoes. Over time, symptoms gradually worsen and prolong for days or weeks, becoming intense as the neuroma expands and temporary nerve changes become permanent.

How We Diagnose Morton’s Neuroma

A foot and ankle surgeon will conduct a thorough review of your symptoms and a physical exam to diagnose. The doctor might manipulate your foot to replicate your symptoms during the exam. Additional tests or imaging may be used.

Seeing your foot and ankle surgeon early in symptom development is crucial for a less invasive treatment approach and potentially avoiding surgery.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Treatment plans designed by your foot and ankle surgeon depend on how long you’ve had the neuroma and its development stage. Options for mild to moderate neuromas include:

Padding: Supports the metatarsal arch, diminishing nerve pressure, and walking compression.
Icing: Reduces swelling when applied to the affected area.
Orthotic devices: Tailored by your surgeon, these devices help reduce nerve pressure and compression.
Activity modifications: Avoid repetitive pressure activities until improvement.
Shoe modifications: Opt for shoes with wider toe boxes and avoid those with narrow or high heels.
Medications: NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, to reduce pain and inflammation.
Injection therapy: Can include cortisone, anesthetics, or other treatments.

Surgery can be considered if nonsurgical treatments do not provide sufficient relief. Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the surgical approach, and the recovery time will vary based on the procedure.

After treatment, your surgeon will advise you on long-term strategies to prevent symptom recurrence, such as wearing proper footwear and adjusting your activity level.

Explore Surgical and Advanced Treatments

Find Relief from Nerve Pain and Get Back to Comfortable Steps

The foot and ankle surgeons at the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona are highly specialized professionals in this field, often qualified as podiatrists, Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPMs), or specialists in podiatric surgery. They have undergone extensive education and training focused specifically on the foot and ankle, allowing them to treat a wide range of conditions, including Morton’s neuroma. Their rigorous background enables them to perform various surgical procedures, including those required for treating Morton’s neuroma.

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Morton’s Neuroma