

Your foot and ankle surgeon will determine the approach that is best for your condition. Surgery may be considered in patients who have not responded adequately to nonsurgical treatments. Treatment may include injections of cortisone, local anesthetics or other agents. Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Wear shoes with a wide toe box and avoid narrow-toed shoes or shoes with high heels. Activities that put repetitive pressure on the neuroma should be avoided until the condition improves. Custom orthotic devices provided by your foot and ankle surgeon provide the support needed to reduce pressure and compression on the nerve. Placing an icepack on the affected area helps reduce swelling. Padding techniques provide support for the metatarsal arch, thereby lessening the pressure on the nerve and decreasing the compression when walking. Treatment approaches vary according to the severity of the problem.įor mild to moderate neuromas, treatment options may include: In developing a treatment plan, your foot and ankle surgeon will first determine how long you have had the neuroma and will evaluate its stage of development. Early diagnosis of a Morton’s neuroma greatly lessens the need for more invasive treatments and may help you avoid surgery.

The best time to see your foot and ankle surgeon is early in the development of symptoms. Other tests or imaging studies may be performed.

During the physical examination, the doctor attempts to reproduce your symptoms by manipulating your foot. To arrive at a diagnosis, the foot and ankle surgeon will obtain a thorough history of your symptoms and examine your foot.

People with certain foot deformities-bunions, hammertoes, flatfeet or more flexible feet-are at higher risk for developing a neuroma. One of the most common offenders is wearing shoes that have a tapered toe box or high-heeled shoes that cause the toes to be forced into the toe box. Causes of Morton’s NeuromaĪnything that causes compression or irritation of the nerve can lead to the development of a neuroma. This compression creates enlargement of the nerve, causing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma and eventually leading to permanent nerve damage. The thickening of the nerve that defines a neuroma is the result of compression and irritation of the nerve. Neuromas may also occur in other locations in the foot. Intermetatarsal describes its location in the ball of the foot between the metatarsal bones. It is sometimes referred to as an intermetatarsal neuroma. The most common neuroma in the foot is a Morton’s neuroma, which occurs between the third and fourth toes. Morton's Neuroma (Intermetatarsal Neuroma) What Is a Neuroma?Ī neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue that may develop in various parts of the body. Please enable Javascript in your browser. Javascript is required to view the content on this page.
