Mortons Neuroma – Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis
Doctors start by gently pressing areas of the foot to check for Morton’s neuroma. They look for sore spots, feel for lumps, and may notice a slight “click” between the third and fourth toes.
Common symptoms include pain, tingling, numbness, or burning in the ball of the foot or between the toes.
Tests to Help See Inside the Foot
Doctors use several tests to understand what is happening inside the foot:
| Test | Purpose | Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Checks for reasons like stress fractures | Rules out bone problems |
| Ultrasound | Shows soft tissue issues like neuromas | Good at finding soft tissue issues |
| MRI | Gives images of soft tissues such as nerves | Very detailed, but more costly |
Ultrasound and MRI help show nerve changes. MRIs cost more and sometimes find neuromas in people without symptoms. X-rays rule out bone problems but do not show the neuroma itself.
Treatment
Non-Surgical Therapies
Most people begin with simple methods to ease symptoms. Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and extra room around the ball of the foot helps reduce nerve irritation.
Metatarsal pads or arch supports can take pressure off the nerves. People can buy these supports at stores, or have custom inserts made to fit their feet.
Physical therapy and gentle stretches may help some people feel better.
| Therapy Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Roomy shoes | Reduce pressure on nerves |
| Metatarsal pads | Support and cushion the foot |
| Custom orthotics | Tailored fit to relieve symptoms |
| Physical therapy | Improve movement and comfort |
Surgical Procedures and Additional Treatments
If non-surgical care does not help, doctors may suggest other steps. Steroid injections can lower swelling and pain in the foot.
For severe cases that do not improve, doctors may recommend surgery. Neurolysis releases pressure on the nerve.
Sometimes, surgeons remove part of the nerve in a procedure called neurectomy. This can cause some loss of feeling in the toes.
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Making changes at home can help reduce discomfort from Mortonโs neuroma. Avoid high heels and shoes with pointed toes, as they put extra pressure on the front of the foot.
Choose footwear with a wide toe box to let the toes spread out comfortably.
Using over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen or naproxen, may help with swelling and pain. Rolling a frozen cup of ice gently over the sore area can also provide relief.
Try to limit high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, for a few weeks. Some people feel better when they use orthotics or shoe inserts for extra support and cushion.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Wide toe box shoes | Reduces nerve pressure |
| Orthotics | Adds support and comfort |
| Ice massage | Eases pain and inflammation |
| Anti-inflammatory medicine | Lowers swelling and soreness |
Getting Ready for Your Visit
Questions the Doctor Might Ask
When you visit a podiatrist for foot pain, the doctor will ask questions about your health and daily routine.
The doctor will likely ask when your symptoms started and whether they appeared slowly or suddenly. It helps to mention specific activities, such as running or jogging, that might affect your foot pain.
The doctor may also ask what types of shoes you wear most often. Wearing shoes that are too tight or put pressure on your toes can cause issues like bunions or hammertoes.
The podiatrist may ask if you have a history of nerve injury, inflammation, swelling, or flat feet. You might need to share a list of medications you take, including any anti-inflammatories.
The doctor could ask if your pain changes with certain activities or footwear.
