Morton's Neuroma

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is a swelling (edema) or thickening of a nerve that can occur at any location in the body where a nerve is found. Neuroma’s can cause pain at the site of the nerve swelling, but they can also radiate (send to another location) pain. A Morton’s neuroma is when this nerve thickening occurs between the third metatarsal and the fourth metatarsal of the foot.

How Do I Know if I Have a Morton’s Neuroma?

When patients have a Morton’s Neuroma, they usually describe pain at the ball of the foot. Sometimes, patients will describe it as a burning, tingling, and numbness type of pain. It is common for patients to describe an uncomfortable sensation that feels like a “bunched up sock” at the site, or like they are constantly walking on something that is not there.

How does a Podiatrist Diagnose Morton’s Neuroma?

A Morton’s Neuroma can be diagnosed during a physical exam by your Podiatrist (foot doctor). Podiatrists are specialists for any metatarsalgia or foot pain. As there are many structures in the ball of the foot (forefoot) near where a neuroma can occur, an ultrasound or MRI might be ordered to determine the cause of your foot pain.

How does a Foot Doctor Treat Morton’s Neuroma?

Podiatrists Ryan and Shaynah Goldfine have multiple treatment options for treating neuromas. For conservative treatment: metatarsal padding, supportive shoes and orthotics, RICE, physical therapy, medication, steroid injection into the neuroma. If conservative treatments fail, foot surgery might be necessary. This might include radiofrequency ablation of the neuroma, release of the foot ligaments in the area that are compressing the neuroma, or surgical removal of the neuroma.

Please reach out to our Podiatrists if you are experiencing metatarsalgia (pain in the forefoot) and are interested in conservative treatment or possible foot surgery.