What You Need to Know About Morton’s Neuroma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Wichita Podiatrist Explains How Morton’s Neuroma Is Diagnosed and Treated

If you sometimes feel like there is a pebble in your shoe when there isn’t, or if you feel sharp, burning, or stinging pain in the ball of your foot or certain toes, it’s possible that you may have Morton’s neuroma and should see a podiatrist for diagnosis and treatment. Below, Dr. Benjamin Weaver of Central Kansas Podiatry in Wichita explains common symptoms and potential causes of Morton’s Neuroma and shares information on how this condition can be treated.

Key Facts About Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a painful podiatric condition involving the thickening of tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, most commonly occurring between the third and fourth toes. This thickening compresses the nerve and can cause foot pain ranging from mildly irritating to severe.

Morton’s Neuroma Symptoms

When Morton’s neuroma develops, there may be no outward physical changes to your foot, but you will notice discomfort or pain associated with this condition. Common symptoms of Morton’s neuroma are listed below. If you experience any of the listed symptoms, you may have this condition, but you will need to see a foot doctor for diagnosis to know for sure.  

• Sharp, burning, or stinging pain in the ball of your foot and may radiate into the toes
• Shooting pain that travels up the foot or to the ends of the toes.
• Numbness or tingling in affected toes, along the lines of a ‘pins and needles’ sensation
• Feeling like there is a pebble or a folded-over sock under the ball of your foot, especially when walking, even though nothing is there  
• Worsening pain with activities that put pressure on the foot, such as walking, running, or wearing high heels or tight shoes

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma often appear gradually as occasional pain that goes away if you remove your shoes and massage the affected area or switch to wider shoes with lower heels.  However, if left untreated, the symptoms of this condition will get worse over time, with the intensity increasing until it becomes difficult to walk.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is caused by irritation, pressure, or injury to the nerves around your toes. It commonly affects those who wear ill-fitting shoes or play sports that require a good deal of running. Examples of activities that can cause this condition include:

• Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes. Wearing shoes that are too tight or that otherwise do not fit properly can increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
• Repetitive trauma or impact. Running and other activities that put repetitive stress on the ball of the foot and sports that involve a lot of foot impact can lead to the development of Morton's neuroma.
• Foot injuries. Trauma or injury to the foot can damage or irritate the nerves and elevate your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
• Foot deformities. People with foot deformities such as bunions, hammer toes, high arches, or flat feet are at an elevated risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
• Abnormal gait. An abnormal walking pattern can put extra stress on the nerves in your foot, which may contribute to developing Morton's neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Options

Recommended treatments for Morton’s neuroma vary based on the severity of the patient’s condition. Common non-surgical treatments for Morton’s neuroma include:

• Padding. In some cases, inserting padding in your shoe underneath the affected area may help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Icing. Putting ice on the area can help reduce nerve irritation and inflammation.
• Orthotics. Orthotics may be prescribed to provide support, reduce pressure, and reduce compression of the affected nerves.
• Activity modification. It can be helpful to avoid activities that put pressure on your feet until your condition subsides, such as foregoing running for a period of time.
• Medication. Over-the-counter oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, are often recommended to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Injection therapy. Your podiatrist may recommend cortisone injections or local anesthetics as a strategy to reduce pain.

See a Podiatrist Diagnosis and a Treatment Plan

If you think you might have Morton’s neuroma or if you are experiencing foot pain that lasts more than just a few days, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible. The sooner you get diagnosed, the faster you will be able to start on a treatment plan that can improve your condition and relieve the pain you are experiencing.

If you live or work in the Wichita area, the caring Central Kansas Podiatry team is here to help. When you book an appointment with us, Dr. Benjamin Weaver will meet with you to evaluate your medical history and symptoms. From there, he will develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your specific needs. Don’t suffer in silence with foot pain that may be Morton’s neuroma. Instead, request an appointment with Dr. Weaver today.