Morton’s Neuroma Treatment

Advanced Diagnosis and Conservative Treatment for Forefoot Nerve Pain

Morton’s neuroma is a common and painful nerve condition that affects the forefoot, most often occurring between the third and fourth toes. It develops when irritation or compression of a nerve causes the nerve tissue to thicken, leading to inflammation, discomfort, and progressive pain with walking or wearing shoes.

At Edge Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating Morton’s neuroma using a full range of conservative and advanced treatment options designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you get back on your feet comfortably.

What Is Morton’s Neuroma?

A neuroma is an enlargement or thickening of nerve tissue caused by chronic irritation or compression. In Morton’s neuroma, this occurs in the nerve between the metatarsal heads in the forefoot.

As the nerve becomes irritated, it may begin to enlarge and become more sensitive, leading to increasing pain and discomfort over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Morton’s neuroma often develops due to repetitive pressure or irritation of the forefoot. Common contributing factors include:

• Tight or narrow shoes

• High-heeled footwear

• Flat feet or overly flexible feet

• Bunions or hammertoes

• High-impact activities such as running or jumping sports

• Repetitive trauma or overuse

• Foot biomechanics that increase forefoot pressure

Women are more commonly affected due to footwear choices that place increased pressure on the forefoot.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Patients often describe symptoms as intermittent at first, gradually becoming more persistent over time. Common symptoms include:

• Burning, sharp, or shooting pain in the ball of the foot

• Tingling or numbness between the toes

• Cramping or discomfort in the toes

• A feeling of “walking on a pebble” or “something in the shoe”

• Pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels

• Relief when removing footwear or massaging the foot

Symptoms may progress if left untreated, making early evaluation important.

Diagnosis

Morton’s neuroma is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination and patient history. In some cases, imaging such as MRI or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options

At Edge Podiatry, treatment is tailored to the severity of your symptoms and how long the condition has been present. Most patients begin with conservative care.

Conservative Treatment Options

• Shoe modifications (wider toe box, lower heel)

• Custom orthotics to reduce forefoot pressure

• Padding or taping to offload the nerve

• Anti-inflammatory medications

• Activity modification

• Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation

• Nerve blocks for pain relief

Many patients experience significant improvement with non-surgical treatment alone.

Advanced Treatment Options

For persistent or severe cases that do not respond to conservative care, additional treatment options may include:

• Repeat targeted injections

• Advanced pain management techniques

• Surgical removal of the neuroma (in refractory cases)

Surgery is typically considered only when conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Without treatment, Morton’s neuroma can gradually worsen, leading to chronic pain and difficulty with daily activities such as walking, exercising, or wearing regular shoes.

Early intervention can:

• Prevent progression of nerve irritation

• Reduce long-term inflammation

• Improve comfort and mobility

• Help avoid surgical intervention

Schedule an Evaluation

If you are experiencing burning pain, numbness, or discomfort in the ball of your foot, early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.

Contact Edge Podiatry today to schedule an evaluation and find out which treatment options are right for you. Our goal is to relieve your pain, restore comfort, and help you stay active.