Morton’s Neuroma

Overview

If you feel like you're walking on a marble sometimes and there is a persistent pain in the ball of your foot, you may have Morton's neuroma. A neuroma is a benign tumor on a nerve. While Morton's neuroma is not actually a tumor, it involves a thickening of the tissues that surround the digital nerve leading to the toes.

If you have symptoms of Morton's neuroma, you'll want to see a sports medicine doctor at the FHCH Sports Medicine Program who can properly diagnose the injury and recommend non-surgical treatments and options for mortons neuroma surgery so you can enjoy a pain free workout.

Causes of Morton's Neuroma

Morton's neuroma is a response to irritation, trauma or excessive pressure.

Treatment

The first method of treatment is always non-surgical. With proper detection and intervention, it is usually all that is required to repair the injury.

Treatment methods include:

• Changes in footwear - You will want to avoid heels or tight shoes and wear wider shoes than normal with lower heels and a soft sole. This lets the bones spread out and can reduce the pressure on the nerve, giving it time to heal.
• Orthotics - Custom shoe inserts and pads also help relieve irritation by lifting and separating the bones, which can also reduce pressure on the nerve.
• Pain relief - Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs).
• Injections - One or more injections of a corticosteroid can reduce swelling and inflammation of the nerve, bringing some relief.

Learn more about surgery for Mortons Neuroma.

If you have questions about Morton's neuroma or want to make an appointment with us, please contact one of our Patient Care Coordinators and they'll be happy to help you.