Morton's Neuroma Specialist

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a thickening of the tissue surrounding the nerves that lead to your toes, in response to irritation, injury, or pressure. It usually affects the area between your third and fourth toes and also causes symptoms in the ball of your foot.

Morton’s Neuroma results in a feeling similar to having a small rock stuck in your shoe, or your sock becoming bunched up. With that in mind, you may imagine a lump or protrusion to account for this sensation. Surprisingly, Morton’s neuroma doesn’t have any visible signs.

In addition to the standing on a rock feeling, Morton’s Neuroma symptoms include:

• Tingling or numbness in the affected toes
• A burning sensation in the ball of your foot that may radiate to your toes

In its early stages, the pain of Morton’s Neuroma gets worse when you walk and wear shoes but goes away at night when you’re at rest. Without intervention, these symptoms get progressively worse and may persist for days or even weeks. The neuroma may get larger and eventually cause permanent nerve changes.

What causes Morton’s Neuroma?

There are several possible causes of Morton’s Neuroma. Any activity or habit that results in excess pressure, irritation, or injury to the nerves between your toes can cause it. Usually, you develop the condition when you wear ill-fitting shoes.

You may also develop Morton’s Neuroma from physical activity. Sports like running and tennis put considerable stress on your feet. There may also be an issue of equipment, as in activities like rock climbing that call for wearing tight shoes.

Some people have a foot structure that leaves them more vulnerable to developing Morton’s Neuroma. If you have flat feet or high arches, you may develop the condition even if you don’t overuse your feet or wear ill-fitting shoes.

Schedule an appointment to see Dr. Bocian if you have foot pain or discomfort that lasts for more than a few days.

How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed and treated?

Dr. Bocian examines your foot for Morton’s Neuroma by pressing down on different areas of your feet to look for a mass or tender spot.

Many cases of Morton’s Neuroma respond to a conservative treatment approach that focuses on pain relief and avoiding further stress on your foot, including:

• Nd: YAG Laser Treatment 
• Wearing comfortable, properly fitting footwear
• Losing excess weight
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
• Receiving injections of steroid medication or local anesthetics
• Icing the area

To prevent Morton’s neuroma from recurring in the future, it’s important to continue wearing comfortable footwear that leaves room for your toes and avoiding activities that put excess pressure on your toes. Dr. Bocian can advise you on ways to modify your exercise routine so you get the same quality of workout without putting your feet at risk.  

You may also elect to receive laser treatment for Morton’s Neuroma if conservative treatments haven’t been effective. This can relieve pressure on the affected nerve or remove the nerve.

Don’t let foot pain become part of your everyday life. Schedule an appointment at Darin A. Bocian, DPM, online or over the phone.