Foot and Ankle 2023, Nov, 05 | 12:00 am

Mortons Neuroma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Learn about Morton's neuroma, a painful condition that affects the nerves in the foot. This article discusses the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Morton's neuroma.

Table of Contents

Morton's neuroma causes

Morton's neuroma is caused by a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This can be caused by:

  • Tight, narrow shoes that squeeze your toes
  • High heels that force your toes to the front of the shoe
  • Repeated trauma or pressure on the foot
  • Foot deformities, such as bunions or hammertoes

Morton's neuroma symptoms

The symptoms of Morton's neuroma can include:

  • A sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot
  • Numbness, tingling, or cramping in the toes or ball of your foot
  • A feeling like you're standing on a pebble in your shoe
  • Pain that gets worse when you stand, walk, or run

Morton's neuroma diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose Morton's neuroma by:

  • Performing a physical exam of your foot
  • Ordering tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to rule out other conditions

Morton's neuroma treatment options

Treatment options for Morton's neuroma include:

  • Resting your foot and avoiding activities that cause pain
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heel
  • Using orthotic devices, such as arch supports or metatarsal pads, to relieve pressure on the nerve
  • Getting corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain
  • Physical therapy to improve foot strength and flexibility
  • Surgery, in severe cases, to remove the nerve or release pressure on the nerve

Morton's neuroma pain relief

You can relieve the pain of Morton's neuroma by:

  • Applying ice to the affected area
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Resting your foot and avoiding activities that cause pain
  • Elevating your foot to reduce swelling

Morton's neuroma home remedies

You can try these home remedies to relieve the pain and discomfort of Morton's neuroma:

  • Soaking your feet in warm water
  • Stretching your toes and foot muscles
  • Massaging your foot to relieve tension
  • Using shoe inserts or pads to cushion your foot and reduce pressure on the nerve

Morton's neuroma shoes

When choosing shoes for Morton's neuroma, look for shoes with:

  • A wide toe box to give your toes room to move
  • A low heel to reduce pressure on the ball of your foot
  • A cushioned sole to absorb shock

Morton's neuroma exercises

Exercises that can help relieve the pain of Morton's neuroma include:

  • Toes stretches to improve flexibility
  • Calf stretches to improve foot strength and flexibility

Morton's neuroma surgery

Surgery for Morton's neuroma may be recommended if other treatments haven't been effective. The surgery may involve removing the affected nerve or releasing pressure on the nerve.

Morton's neuroma prevention

You can prevent Morton's neuroma by:

  • Wearing shoes with a wide toe box and low heel
  • Avoiding high heels for long periods of time
  • Avoiding shoes that are too tight or too small
  • Wearing shoes with good arch support
  • Stretching your toes and foot muscles regularly