Morton's Neuroma
Morton's neuroma is a swollen or thickened nerve in the ball of your foot. Morton's neuroma can cause a very painful burning or sharp pain in your foot that feels worse when you walk. It may feel like a small lump inside the ball of your foot. It is usually between the third and fourth toes, but it can also be between other toes.
How is Morton's Neuroma diagnosed?
Your doctor will squeeze or press on the bottom of your foot or squeeze your toes together to see if it hurts. Your doctor may also order an
X-ray of your foot to make sure nothing else is causing the pain.
How is Morton's Neuroma treated?
Nonsurgical treatment
You may be able to treat this problem at home:
- Avoid wearing tight, pointy, or high-heeled shoes. Choose well-fitted shoes with plenty of room for your toes.
- Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- Take
anti-inflammatory medicines to reduce pain and swelling. These include ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin) and naproxen (such as Aleve).
- Rest your feet when you can. Reduce activities that put pressure on the toes, such as racquet sports or running.
- Try massaging your foot to relax the muscles around the nerve.
If these steps do not relieve your symptoms, your doctor may have you use special pads or devices that spread the toes to keep them from squeezing the nerve.
In some cases, a doctor may give a steroid shot to reduce swelling and pain.
Surgery
If more conservative treatments do not help, your doctor may suggest surgery.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).