Neuroma Specialist

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a painful condition in which the nerve that runs from the foot surface to the toes becomes inflamed. It usually occurs between the third and fourth toes and often feels like you are standing on a pebble. You may also experience numbness or a tingling sensation in your toes, a sudden sharp pain in the ball of the foot or toes, or a clicking sensation when walking. This condition is caused by a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerve. The thickening is a benign tumor (or neuroma) that cannot be seen. Morton’s neuroma is quite common and more often afflicts women than men.

What causes Morton’s neuroma?

Neuromas are caused by pressure or injury to one or more of the nerves that lead to the toes.

This is typically the result of:

• Ill-fitting or high heel shoes
• High impact sports, such as running or basketball.
• Foot abnormalities, such as bunions, hammer toes, high arches, or flat feet.
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Excessive body weight
• Pregnancy

One of the causes of neuromas can also be genetics.

What are first-line treatment options for Morton’s neuroma?

Neuroma symptoms are completely resolved with simple treatment. Treatment options include:

• Rest, staying off the foot
• Switching to better-fitting footwear
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications
• Cortisone injections
• Alcohol sclerosing injections.
• Foot inserts, pads, or arch supports
• Custom orthotics

When conservative treatment is ineffective, which is rare, surgery may be recommended.

What does neuroma surgery entail?

This is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. During surgery, the damaged nerve is removed. EIther of two surgical approaches may be used. The first involves entails making an incision on the top of the foot. This offers the benefit of enabling you to walk soon after surgery. The other option is to make an incision on the sole. Our podiatrists choose the best approach based each patient's unique situation.