Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen over time without proper treatment. You may experience:

• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot that radiates to your toes
• Tingling or numbness in the affected toes
• Sensation of standing on a pebble or having something in your shoe
• Pain that worsens with activity, especially walking or running
• Increased discomfort when wearing tight or narrow shoes
• Relief when removing shoes and massaging the affected area

Symptoms often start mild but can become progressively worse, especially if you continue activities that put pressure on the affected nerve.

Morton’s neuroma develops when repeated stress or irritation causes the tissue around the nerve to thicken. Several factors can contribute to this condition:

Footwear choices play a significant role, particularly tight, narrow shoes or high heels that compress the toes and put pressure on the forefoot. High-impact activities such as running, tennis, or basketball can create repetitive stress on the ball of your foot.

Foot structure abnormalities including bunions, hammertoes, flat feet, or unusually high arches can alter your foot mechanics and increase pressure on certain nerves. Women are more commonly affected than men, likely due to footwear choices and differences in foot structure.

Our podiatrists at Synergy Health Partners use a comprehensive approach to diagnose Morton’s neuroma accurately. During your evaluation, we’ll conduct a thorough physical examination, assessing the painful area and performing specific tests like squeezing the sides of your foot to reproduce symptoms.

Advanced imaging may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. We utilize ultrasound imaging to visualize the neuroma in real-time, and MRI scans when more detailed soft tissue evaluation is needed. These diagnostic tools help us determine the exact location and size of the neuroma, allowing us to develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific situation.

You should schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists if you experience persistent foot pain that lasts more than a few days, especially pain in the ball of your foot that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications.

Seek prompt medical attention if you notice numbness or tingling in your toes that doesn’t resolve, or if pain interferes with your daily activities, work, or exercise routine. Early intervention typically leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from worsening.

Don’t wait to seek treatment if conservative measures like changing shoes or avoiding certain activities haven’t provided relief after a few weeks. Our team can provide effective treatment options to help you get back on your feet comfortably.