Morton's Neuroma

Up to 1 in 3 Americans have Morton’s neuroma – a benign growth that causes pain in the ball of the foot. At High Desert Limb Salvage Institute in San Bernardino, Indio, and Apple Valley, California, wound care specialist Norris Morrison, DPM, uses a holistic and patient-centric approach to Morton’s neuroma treatment. If you’re tired of living with foot pain, call High Desert Limb Salvage Institute and request a Morton’s neuroma consultation or book online today.

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma causes intense, burning pain in the ball of your foot. It occurs when the nerves between one or more of your toe bones become irritated and inflamed.

Without intervention and treatment, Morton’s neuroma makes it difficult to walk. You might even have to avoid certain activities, such as yard work or exercise.

What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?

The symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:

• Sharp burning pain between your toes
• Swelling between your toes
• Numbness in the ball of your foot
• Feeling like there’s something stuck in your socks or shoes

If you have Morton’s neuroma, you might also notice that your pain worsens when you stand on your toes or wear high heels.

Who is at risk of experiencing Morton’s neuroma?

Anyone can experience Morton’s neuroma, but several factors may increase your risk, including:

• Having flat feet or high arches
• Joint instability
• Underlying medical conditions, such as bunions or hammertoes
• Playing sports that put lots of pressure on the balls of your feet

You’re also more likely to experience Morton’s neuroma if you wear shoes that press your toes together, like high heels or dance shoes.

How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?

To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, your High Desert Limb Salvage Institute provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms. Then, they complete an exam, checking your feet to see if there’s bruising or swelling between your toes. Your provider also gently presses on the spaces between your toe bones to pinpoint the location of the pain. 

If your provider suspects an underlying problem, like a stress fracture or arthritis, they might also order diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI. 

How is Morton’s neuroma treated?

Treatment of Morton’s neuroma depends on various factors, including the size of the neuroma and the severity of your symptoms. High Desert Limb Salvage Institute recommends conservative and holistic treatments whenever possible, such as wearing comfortable shoes that provide room for your toes, resting your feet, and using an ice pack to reduce swelling.

If your symptoms continue or worsen, minimally invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or alcohol sclerosing injections might be necessary. The goal is to relieve pain and improve your mobility.

To learn more about the treatment of Morton’s neuroma, call High Desert Limb Salvage Institute or book online today.