Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve. It usually affects the nerve that runs between your third and fourth toes. The condition is also called interdigital neuroma.
If you have a Morton’s neuroma, you may feel an ongoing sharp or burning pain in the ball of your foot. This may spread into your toes when you’re walking or running. Some people describe it as feeling like they’re stepping on a pebble or marble. You might also experience numbness or tingling.
Experts at Summit Orthopedics in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area treat Morton’s neuroma with the highest level of care. We carefully assess your symptoms and develop a neuroma treatment plan to ease your discomfort.
Causes of Morton’s Neuroma
Anything that squeezes your foot and toes can increase the risk of getting a Morton’s neuroma. Some known causes include:
- Bunions
- Hammer toes
- Flat fleet
- Repetitive activities, like running
- Wearing narrow, high-heeled or tight shoes
Women are more likely than men to have the condition, mainly due to shoe choices.
Diagnosing Morton’s Neuroma
Your doctor will talk to you about your overall health and any past medical problems. They will ask where your pain is, what it feels like, how strong it is and how long you’ve had it. Tell your doctor about any activities that make the pain worse and anything that helps it feel better, like resting or changing your shoes.
Physical Examination
Your doctor will do a physical exam. This may include:
- Looking at the skin on your foot and ankle to check for sore spots
- Checking how your toes and foot are lined up to see if anything looks out of place
- Pressing between your toes to find the exact spot where it hurts
- Moving your toe joints and other parts of your foot to see if there’s any swelling or signs of arthritis
- Squeezing your foot gently to see if there’s a clicking sound, which happens when a Morton’s neuroma is displaced and pops against a ligament
Imaging
X-rays can help your doctor determine if you have a Morton’s neuroma or another condition like a stress fracture or arthritis. MRIs aren’t always necessary, but they do provide a detailed look at the soft tissues in your foot.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma
Most people do not need surgery to find relief. Often, simple changes like wearing roomier shoes and steroid injections that reduce inflammation can treat Morton’s neuroma. Your doctor may recommend nonsurgical treatments depending on how long you’ve had the condition and the severity of your symptoms.
Your plan of care may involve:
- Activity modifications, such as avoiding anything that puts too much pressure on your foot
- Corticosteroid injections
- Ice therapy
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
- Shoe inserts to reduce irritation
- Changing your footwear and avoiding high heels and tight shoes
Surgery
If your symptoms come back or don’t go away after other treatments, your surgeon might suggest surgery. Surgery for a Morton’s neuroma works by releasing the tissue around the irritated nerve or removing the swollen part of the nerve. Both procedures relieve pressure and can provide lasting pain relief. They’ll discuss which option is best for you.
After surgery, you should be able to return to your normal activities within four weeks.
Expert Care for Morton’s Neuroma
We offer a full range of care, from initial diagnosis and treatment to long-term rehabilitation. Our experts will work with you to create a personalized plan to get you back to the active, healthy lifestyle you enjoy.
Summit Orthopedics surgeons are available at nearly 30 convenient locations across the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Our state-of-the-art, comprehensive orthopedic centers offer same-day appointments from a team of experts who offer the full scope of orthopedic care.
Find your Summit Orthopedics foot expert, request an appointment or call us at (651) 968-5201 to schedule a consultation.
