Morton’s neuroma is a common condition that causes pain in the ball of your foot—most often in the area between the third and fourth toes. The feeling is often compared to that of having a small rock—or marble—stuck in your shoe. A neuroma is a small benign tumor of a nerve—although Morton’s neuroma is not actually a tumor. Instead, it is a thickening of the tissue that surrounds the nerves that lead to the toes.
Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma in Bethesda
Ill-fitting shoes—like those that squeeze toes together or distribute weight unevenly—are thought to be the main cause Morton’s neuroma. Those suffering from this condition often find relief by changing shoes, stopping their walk, or by rubbing the affected area.
While poor shoe choice is usually the main cause of Morton’s neuroma in Bethesda, there are a number of other factors that contribute to its development. Some of these include:
- Trauma
- Biomechanical deformities
- Repeated stress
- Overuse
In most cases, there are no outward symptoms related to this Morton’s neuroma. Instead, most people experience a burning pain in the ball of their foot, tingling or numbness in the toes after a long period of stress, or the feeling of walking on a pebble in your shoe. When pain persists for more than a few days and you suspect it might be Morton’s neuroma, contact Dr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy, our podiatrists serving Greater Washington, to discuss your treatment options.
Greater Washington Treatment of Morton’s Neuroma
To diagnose Morton’s neuroma, our Bethesda, MD podiatrists, will perform a physical exam, where he or she will feel around for a mass or tender spot. Some imaging tests—like x-rays or an ultrasound—may be ordered to rule out any other causes of your foot pain.
In most cases, Morton’s neuroma in Bethesda can be treated with non-surgical and non-invasive methods, including:
- Changes in footwear
- Custom orthotics
- Cortisone injections
- Ice/rest
- Anti-inflammatory medications
If conservative approaches don’t relieve symptoms, your podiatrist may recommend surgical treatment. These procedures may include a procedure where pressure is relieved from the nerve by cutting the nearby structures, known as decompression surgery.
Dr. Duggirala and Dr. Deroy, our podiatrists at Bethesda Foot and Ankle Center, may also recommend removing the affected nerve altogether. The treatment yDr. Duggirala or Dr. Deroy chooses depends on the severity of your symptoms.
