Morton’s Neuroma

If you’ve never heard of Morton’s neuroma, you’re not alone. At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine in Ramsey, NJ, our interdisciplinary pain management team has helped hundreds of people get back on their feet after struggling with pain and dysfunction caused by this relatively unheard of condition.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, Morton’s neuroma is the name for a condition in which the nerve tissue located between the third and fourth toes becomes abnormally thick. A neuroma can actually happen anywhere in the body; the Morton’s variety is specific to this location in the ball of the foot.

What Causes This Condition?

The thickening and enlarging of nerve tissue which occurs with a neuroma happens in response to increased compression and irritation of the nerve tissue itself. Some of the most common precipitating causes include excessive use of high heeled shoes or any other type of uncomfortable, tight, tapered-toe footwear; foot abnormalities including hammertoes, flat feet, or bunions; and a history of direct foot injury or repetitive injury (often seen with sports such as running).

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma?

If you or a loved one has Morton’s neuroma, then you may notice any of the following issues:

• Pain, burning, numbness, and/or tingling in the ball of the foot
• The sensation that something is in the ball of your foot
• The sensation that something is stuck or bunched up in your shoe or sock

Typically, symptoms start slowly. They may only come on if you’re wearing high heels, for instance, or if you’re running. Removing the shoes, stopping the activity, and/or massaging your foot can temporarily relieve the discomfort. However, over time as the compression and inflammation to the nerve tissue between your third and fourth toe continue, the symptoms will typically become worse and/or longer-lasting.

What Treatment Options Exist for Morton’s Neuroma?

If you are dealing with recurring foot pain, it’s important to be checked out by a doctor. In the case of Morton’s neuroma, the damage to the nerve tissue can become permanent if the cause of the inflammation and the symptoms are not properly addressed.

At Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine, we’re proud to be among Northern New Jersey’s leading facilities for treating and resolving Morton’s neuroma. Some of our treatment techniques include:

• Physical therapy, which may include orthotics prescription, therapeutic exercises to strengthen your intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles, and sports-specific movement training
• Interventional pain injections that relieve symptoms and help reduce inflammation and swelling
• Sports medicine rehabilitation, including ultrasound and stem cell injections

Our team will thoroughly examine your foot, get a clear picture of your medical history, and run any necessary diagnostic tests or imaging techniques to help us make an accurate diagnosis and get you on an effective treatment plan as soon as possible.

Do you believe your foot pain is related to Morton’s neuroma? Are you looking for effective, non-surgical, and affordable treatment options that can get you the pain relief you’ve been looking for? Call Progressive Spine & Sports Medicine today to schedule a consultation with one of our pain management doctors, Dr. Steven Ferrer or Dr. Kevin McElroy.