Morton’s Neuroma: A Common Cause of Foot Pain

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, burning pain or a sensation of a pebble stuck in your shoe, you may be dealing with Morton’s neuroma. This condition involves a thickening of nerve tissue, usually between the third and fourth toes, and can significantly impact your ability to walk comfortably. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma to help you find lasting relief.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves in the ball of the foot. It occurs when the nerve becomes irritated or compressed, leading to inflammation and thickening of the tissue around it. While it’s not a true tumor, the swelling can cause pain, discomfort, and numbness in the affected area.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

The exact cause of Morton’s neuroma isn’t always clear, but several factors can contribute to its development:

1. Improper Footwear

2. Tight, narrow shoes or high heels can compress the nerves in the ball of the foot.

3. Repetitive Stress

4. Activities like running, jogging, or sports that involve repetitive motions can irritate the nerves.

5. Foot Structure

6. Conditions such as flat feet, high arches, or hammertoes can increase pressure on the nerves.

7. Trauma or Injury

8. A previous injury to the foot can lead to nerve irritation.

9. Obesity

10. Excess weight places added stress on the ball of the foot, increasing the risk of neuroma development.

    
    

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma often presents with the following symptoms:

• Sharp or Burning Pain: Typically felt in the ball of the foot, often worsening during activity or when wearing tight shoes.

• Numbness or Tingling: Affected toes may feel numb or tingly due to nerve compression.

• A Pebble Sensation: Many patients describe the feeling of having a pebble or small object stuck in their shoe.

• Swelling or Inflammation: In some cases, visible swelling may accompany the pain.

Symptoms may come and go initially but often become more persistent without treatment.

Diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma

At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we diagnose Morton’s neuroma using:

1. Medical History and Symptom Review: Understanding your symptoms, activity levels, and footwear habits.

2. Physical Examination: Checking for tenderness, swelling, or a clicking sensation (Mulder’s sign) when pressing the affected area.

3. Imaging Tests: X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

   
   

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. We offer a range of conservative and advanced options:

1. Footwear Modifications

• Switch to shoes with a wide toe box and low heels to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.

2. Custom Orthotics

• Custom-made insoles can redistribute weight and relieve nerve pressure.

3. Padding and Taping

• Padding can cushion the ball of the foot, while taping techniques can realign the toes to reduce strain.

4. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can reduce pain and inflammation.

5. Corticosteroid Injections

• Injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation around the nerve.

6. Physical Therapy

• Exercises and stretches can improve foot mechanics and reduce irritation to the nerve.

7. Alcohol or Radiofrequency Ablation

• These minimally invasive treatments can destroy the affected nerve tissue to provide lasting relief.

8. Surgical Intervention

• In severe or persistent cases, surgery may be recommended to remove the affected nerve. This option is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail.

  
  

Preventing Morton’s Neuroma

To lower your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma, follow these tips:

1. Choose Proper Footwear: Wear shoes with adequate support, cushioning, and a wide toe box.

2. Avoid High Heels: Limit the use of high-heeled shoes, especially for extended periods.

3. Rest and Stretch: Take breaks during activities that involve repetitive foot motions.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can minimize stress on the feet.

5. Use Orthotics: Custom insoles can help address structural issues and reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.

   
   

When to See a Podiatrist

If you experience persistent foot pain, tingling, or numbness that interferes with your daily activities, it’s time to consult a podiatrist. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Find Relief at Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC

Morton’s neuroma doesn’t have to keep you off your feet. At Sunshine Foot & Ankle LLC, we’re dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatment options for foot and ankle conditions. Let us help you find relief and get back to doing the things you love.

📞 Call us today at (754) 296-5900 to schedule an appointment, or visit us at 2951 Northwest 49th Avenue, STE 204, Lauderdale Lakes, FL, ZIP 33313. Let us help you take the first step toward healthy, pain-free feet!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It is not a true tumor but an irritated, enlarged nerve that can cause pain, burning, or the feeling of standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock.

What are the symptoms of Morton's neuroma?

Common symptoms include burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot, tingling or numbness in the toes, and a sensation that something is bunched inside your shoe. Symptoms often worsen with tight or high-heeled shoes and may ease when you remove your shoe and massage the area.

What causes Morton's neuroma?

It usually develops from repeated pressure or irritation of the nerve. Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes, high-impact activities, and foot shapes such as bunions, flat feet, or high arches can all increase the squeeze on the nerve and contribute to the problem.

How is Morton's neuroma treated?

Treatment usually starts conservatively with roomier, low-heeled shoes, metatarsal padding, custom orthotics, activity changes, and anti-inflammatory measures or injections. Many people get good relief from these steps, and if symptoms persist a podiatrist can discuss additional options, including procedures to address the nerve.

Can Morton's neuroma go away on its own?

Mild nerve irritation can settle once the pressure is removed through better footwear and padding, but an established neuroma typically does not disappear by itself. Treating it early, before the nerve becomes more sensitized, gives the best chance of avoiding more involved treatment.

Can Morton's neuroma affect both feet?

Yes. Although it often shows up in one foot, the footwear habits and foot mechanics behind it can affect both. If you notice similar burning or numbness in the other foot, it is worth having both evaluated so the underlying causes can be addressed together.

Ready to get relief? Book your appointment online or call (754) 296-5900 to schedule with Dr. Mollineda at Sunshine Foot & Ankle in Lauderdale Lakes.