Neuroma (Morton's)

Mortons' neuroma specialist in the New York County, NY: Manhattan, Lenox Hill, Yorkville, Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Hell's Kitchen, Midtown East, Garment District, Diamond District, Carnegie Hill, Lincoln Square, Murray Hill areas

Morton's Neuroma Treatment in New York, NY

If you find yourself feeling as though you are walking on a pebble in your shoe, only to check and find no pebble there, then you may have Morton’s neuroma. Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which the nerve tissue between the toes thickens, causing symptoms such as pain, tingling, burning, numbness, and the feeling of something being stuck in the ball of the foot. The symptoms may come on gradually, go away temporarily, and then return, progressively worsening over time.

The nerve tissue thickening associated with Morton’s neuroma is caused by compression or irritation of the nerve. This can occur due to wearing shoes that are too too tight or narrow in the toe area, wearing high heels which put excess pressure on the balls of the feet and toes, running, or playing court sports like tennis. Having certain foot conditions, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, can predispose you to developing Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s Neuroma Diagnosis & Treatment Options

A podiatrist can diagnose Morton’s neuroma by taking a medical history and completing a physical examination. Sometimes imaging studies are used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment is typically conservative and may include padding the foot, wearing orthotics, modifying footwear and activities, resting and icing the affected foot, taking anti-inflammatory medications, or injecting medicine directly into the foot. In severe or chronic cases, surgery may be recommended.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, please seek the care of a podiatrist.

Neuroma (Morton's) (FAQs)

What is Morton's neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition in which compression and irritation of a nerve in the ball of the foot leads to painful symptoms. Morton’s neuroma typically affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. This condition may also be referred to as intermetatarsal neuroma, because of its location between the metatarsal bones.
What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include tingling, burning, numbness, and pain in the ball of the affected foot. You may also experience a strange sensation that has been described as feeling like you are “walking on a pebble in your shoe.”  Without treatment, this condition can progress and lead to permanent nerve damage in the foot. Symptoms often begin gradually, arising only while doing certain physical activities or wearing tight shoes. Over time, the symptoms can worsen and last for several days or weeks, even while resting or going barefoot.
What causes Morton’s neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma can be caused by anything that irritates a nerve in the ball of the foot. This can include wearing shoes that are too tight and narrow in the toe area, running, and playing court sports like basketball or tennis. People with other foot problems, such as bunions, hammertoes, or flat feet, are at an increased risk of developing Morton’s neuroma. 
What are the treatments for Morton’s neuroma?
Initial treatment for Morton’s neuroma is conservative and may involve padding the affected foot to reduce pressure on the damaged nerve, resting and icing the foot to relieve pain, swelling, and pressure, taking over the counter pain medications, and wearing orthotics. If conservative treatments do not relieve the symptoms, surgery can also be an option.

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