If you've ever felt like you're walking on a pebble, experienced burning pain in the ball of your foot, or a stabbing pain between your toes, you may be dealing with a condition known as Morton's neuroma. Morton's neuroma happens when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to one of your toes becomes compressed or irritated, leading to thickening and inflammation. This thickening causes you pain and discomfort, especially when walking. The nerve between the third and fourth toes is often affected, though it can happen elsewhere in the foot.
Morton's neuroma symptoms can sneak up on you. The condition can start with subtle discomfort and gradually progresses if left untreated.
Relief when removing shoes, staying off your feet, or massaging the foot.
A feeling of standing on a pebble or bunched-up sock.
A sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot or between your toes.
Tingling or numbness in your toes around the affected nerve.
Pain that worsens when wearing tight shoes or high heels.
Early recognition of the signs of Morton's Neuroma can help you prevent worsening pain and complications. Here are 10 key indicators that you might be dealing with Morton's neuroma:
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward relief. During a medical evaluation, your doctor will consider your symptoms and may perform specific tests. These evaluations often include:
At POA, we have a team of doctors who specialize in foot issues and injuries. These podiatrists see patients with foot conditions all day, every day. That makes them foot experts, and that's the quality of world-class care you will find at Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.
Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of Morton's neuroma but are distinctly different. These possible conditions include:
Each of these conditions has unique characteristics and requires different treatment approaches. If you're having foot pain, we recommend scheduling a time with one of our specialists. Having the correct diagnosis will set you on the path to the quickest recovery.
If you're diagnosed with Morton's neuroma, the good news is that there are several treatment options available. From conservative approaches for you to address your Morton's neuroma at home to more involved procedures, here are some common ways to address the condition:
Morton's neuroma can feel overwhelming, but many people have successfully managed or eliminated their symptoms with consistent effort and self-care measures. Taking proactive steps at home can help you manage Morton's neuroma and prevent symptoms from worsening. Consider these simple yet effective self-care strategies for addressing your Morton's neuroma.
Regular exercises can help alleviate your Morton's neuroma symptoms and improve your overall foot strength and health. The following exercises are easy to perform, and you can do them at home. Some of the most effective include:
Shoes can absolutely make or break your foot comfort and health, especially when dealing with Morton's neuroma. Choosing the right footwear can drastically reduce discomfort.
Here's what to look for in the best shoes for people with Morton's neuroma:
Orthotics can provide essential support for your feet and they can also help to relieve pressure on the affected nerve causing your Morton's neuroma symptoms. There are different types of orthotics, each offering unique benefits:
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If you have pain, please contact us and schedule an appointment. We have urgent care facilities all over New Jersey for your convenience.
If you suspect you have Morton’s neuroma due to persistent foot pain, it’s important to see a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment. If your symptoms worsen over time, interfere with daily activities, or do not improve with home remedies such as rest, ice, proper footwear, or over-the-counter pain relief, a podiatrist can provide a professional diagnosis. They may use imaging tests, recommend custom orthotics, or suggest more advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections or minimally invasive procedures if necessary. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and improve your overall foot health.
In some cases, conservative treatments aren't enough, and surgery becomes the best option. If your pain is severe or persistent, it may be time to discuss surgical solutions with your doctor.
Surgery may be necessary if:
Surgical options include removing the neuroma or releasing the surrounding ligament to reduce pressure on the nerve. Recovery can typically involve a few weeks of limited activity; however, each person is unique, so your treatment and recovery will be specific to you. Every person's experience with Morton's neuroma is specific to them, and surgery may not be necessary for you. Seeking professional advice from one of POA's podiatrists will help you get the best treatment possible.
Your Morton's neuroma pain doesn't have to keep you from doing the things you need to in your daily life. It is possible for you to manage or even resolve your symptoms with proper care, which can include the right footwear, exercises, support, and professional guidance. If you are dealing with recurrent or persistent pain in the ball of your foot and think you have Morton's neuroma, consult with one of our podiatrists or explore your options so you can get one step closer to being pain-free.
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This blog post is meant to be informative and should not act as a self-diagnosis tool. If you’d like to see one of our doctors, please contact us here.