Morton’s neuroma treatment begins with understanding this painful foot condition that affects many people. This condition involves nerve thickening between the third and fourth toes. The nerve becomes inflamed and enlarged, causing sharp pain and discomfort.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent long-term nerve damage. Without proper care, the condition often worsens over time. Patients may experience permanent numbness or chronic pain. Understanding the causes helps patients make better choices about footwear and activities. Knowing all the treatment options allows for the best possible outcomes.
In this blog, we will cover the following topics:
- Causes: Tight shoes, repetitive activities, and foot issues increase nerve pressure.
- Symptoms & Treatment: Sharp toe pain improves with care, injections, or surgery.
- Prevention: Good shoes and early treatment prevent recurrence and damage.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma develops due to several factors. Knowing these causes can help individuals avoid triggers and prevent the condition from getting worse.
Footwear Choices
According to the Mayo Clinic, the type of shoes you wear can greatly impact nerve compression in your foot. High heels shift your body weight onto the front of your foot. Meanwhile, narrow toe boxes squeeze your toes together unnaturally.
Both of these factors put direct pressure on the plantar digital nerve. This leads to irritation and inflammation over time.
Repetitive Stress on the Feet
Certain activities that repeatedly stress the feet can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.
- Running: Causes repeated impact on the forefoot.
- Dancing: Involves frequent pivoting and pressure on the toes.
- Prolonged standing: Keeps constant pressure on the nerves.
These activities create ongoing trauma on the nerve tissue.
Structural Foot Problems
Some foot conditions make individuals more prone to Morton’s neuroma, such as the following:
- Flat feet: Alter weight distribution across the foot.
- High arches: Create uneven pressure points.
- Bunions: Push toes into abnormal positions.
- Hammertoes: Disrupt normal foot mechanics.
These conditions increase pressure on the plantar digital nerve between the third and fourth toes.
The nerve responds to this increased pressure with inflammation. Over time, scar tissue forms around the nerve. The nerve itself becomes thicker and more sensitive. This process creates the characteristic sharp, burning pain of Morton’s neuroma.
What Are Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Options?
Treatment approaches range from simple lifestyle changes to surgical procedures.
Conservative Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma
Many patients find relief from Morton’s neuroma through non-surgical methods. These treatments focus on addressing the root causes of nerve compression and reducing symptoms.
Footwear Changes
Changing your footwear can provide quick and noticeable relief.
- Shoes with Wide Toe Boxes: Allow your toes to spread naturally, reducing pressure.
- Low-Heeled Shoes: Help take weight off the front of your foot.
- Supportive Insoles: Distribute your body weight more evenly.
- Custom Orthotics: Can correct specific foot structure issues, offering personalized support.
Physical Therapy
As treatment for Morton’s neuroma, physical therapy can strengthen your foot muscles and improve how your feet move. Specific exercises help stretch tight muscles and tendons, improving flexibility.
Therapists will also teach you proper walking techniques. They can reduce stress on the affected nerve. These adjustments can make a big difference in relieving pain and preventing further irritation.
Medications
Medications are also a good treatment for Morton’s neuroma, and can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory drugs work to decrease swelling in the nerve. Corticosteroid injections also provide targeted relief.
These options are often used alongside lifestyle changes and physical therapy for the best results.
Lifestyle Changes
Simple lifestyle changes can support healing and reduce symptoms. Examples include the following:
- Reduce high-impact activities
- Use ice packs
- Try a gentle massage
- Rest and remove tight shoes
- Apply ice to calm inflammation
- Switch to wider shoes
- Use cushioned orthotics
These simple steps can help you feel better quickly while you work on longer-term solutions.
Surgical Intervention for Morton’s Neuroma
When non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may become necessary. There are effective surgical options available to address Morton’s neuroma. It largely depends on the severity of the condition.
Neurectomy
A neurectomy involves removing the portion of the nerve causing pain. This procedure eliminates the pain entirely but results in permanent numbness in the affected toes.
Most patients find the numbness to be a better alternative to chronic pain. Recovery typically takes several weeks, during which walking is limited to allow proper healing.
Decompression Surgery
Decompression surgery is another option that does not involve removing the nerve. Orthopedic surgeons cut ligaments that are compressing the nerve, relieving pressure. This method preserves the nerve’s function while reducing symptoms.
The success of this procedure can vary depending on the individual’s foot anatomy. But according to the Cleveland Clinic, most people do not need surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovering from surgery can bring some temporary side effects.
Swelling and discomfort are common in the early stages of healing. Scar tissue might form around the area where the surgery was done. Also, some numbness may still happen, even if the nerve is not removed.
Surgery is usually only done for serious cases that do not get better with other treatments. It is important to talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. This will help you decide if surgery is the right Morton’s neuroma treatment for you.
Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Bismarck, ND
Morton’s neuroma can cause a lot of pain, but it often improves with the right treatment. It is important to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Getting diagnosed early and starting the right treatment gives the best chance for relief.
Trust The Bone & Joint Center’s board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Chad Carlson. Call us at (701) 946-7400 or submit an online appointment request form for Morton’s neuroma treatment. We have multiple locations across North Dakota for your convenience.
We look forward to serving you!
