Neuromas Treatment | Foot Doctor Wayne, NJ 07470, Paramus, NJ 07652, Clifton, NJ 07012, Montclair, NJ 07042 and Edison, NJ 08817

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Neuromas are nerve impingements in the forefoot. Although it is located in any interspace, most commonly it is located in the 3rd interspace, and therefore called a Morton’s neuroma. The symptoms include burning pain, hot and cold sensations, and numbness. Patients will often complain it feels like they are walking on a rolled sock or a rock.

There are many treatment options for neuromas. An MRI may be ordered to verify the neuroma or ascertain the size, especially if it is more of a surgical case. Non-surgical options include wider shoe gear, custom orthotics with a metatarsal pad built in to offload the metatarsals, and cortisone injections. If conservative treatments fail, then surgical options include excision of the neuroma, which is often hypertrophied from a normal nerve.

Neuroma (Morton's) (FAQs)

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which compression and irritation of a nerve in the ball of the foot leads to painful symptoms. Morton’s neuroma typically affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This condition may also be referred to as intermetatarsal neuroma, because of its location between the metatarsal bones.

What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?

Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the ball of the affected foot. You may also experience a strange sensation that has been described as feeling like you are “walking on a pebble in your shoe.” Without treatment, this condition can progress and lead to permanent nerve damage in the foot. Symptoms often begin gradually, arising only while doing certain physical activities or wearing tight shoes. Over time, the symptoms can worsen and last for several days or weeks, even while resting or going barefoot.

What causes Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma can be caused by anything that irritates a nerve in the ball of the foot. This can include wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toe area, running, and playing court sports like basketball or tennis. People with other foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

What are the treatments for Morton’s neuroma?

Initial treatment for Morton’s neuroma is conservative and may involve padding the affected foot to reduce pressure on the damaged nerve, resting and icing the foot to relieve pain, swelling, and pressure, taking over the counter pain medications, and wearing orthotics. If conservative treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery can also be an option.