Ways to Manage Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is when a nerve in your foot becomes inflamed. The pain can feel as though you are stepping on a marble. You can take over-the-counter pain relief, but if your condition is severe, it could be worth exploring other options, including surgery.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is the thickening of the nerves between metatarsal bones. These are the bones found between your toes. Usually, the nerves between the second, third, and fourth bones are affected. Morton’s neuroma can worsen if you have shoes that don’t fit properly or wear high heels a lot. You may also be more susceptible to developing the condition if you have a foot deformity or high arches.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

There are numerous symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, some of which can be found below:

• Pain between your toes
• Pain that gets worse when wearing high heels
• Swelling between the toes
• Thickening of the tissue around the nerves
• Tingling or numbness in the foot

Treating the condition is imperative if you want to stop the condition from getting worse. 

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuromas form when a nerve between the toes irritate and swell. Experts aren't sure what causes the inflammation, but pressure on certain parts of the foot can be a significant determining factor. Certain activities can trigger Morton’s neuroma, including:

• Being on your feet a lot
• Running, tennis, or racket sports
• Wearing high heels
• Wearing ill-fitting shoes

It’s also possible for other health conditions to increase your risk of developing Morton’s neuroma, including:

• Bunions
• Flat feet
• Hammertoes
• High-arched feet
• Repetitive trauma to the foot

At-Home Remedies for Morton’s Neuroma

You can do various things to help yourself manage Morton’s neuroma at home. One of the easiest, most effective changes you can make is using proper footwear. Shoes that do not give adequate room in the toe box can cause unnecessary pressure on the ball of the foot. Choosing to go with higher-quality shoe options can drastically improve your comfort levels. Consider buying shoes with a wide toe box or supportive arches to allow your foot to rest comfortably. 

You can also limit your participation in activities that significantly impact your feet. For example, high-impact sports such as running or tennis can cause unnecessary strain on the nerves in your feet. Opting to participate in activities such as swimming or biking can help prevent excessive pain. 

Other therapeutic methods can help, too, including stretching, ice therapy, and massages.

Over-the-counter and Non-Prescription Solutions

If you want to lessen the amount of pain you are in when it comes to your condition, then there are over-the-counter remedies available. Some of the options available include:

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are both effective options when treating Morton’s neuroma. While they do not solve the problem, they can help to suppress pain, making it more manageable. These medications can be a good solution for managing low to moderate pain. 

Amitriptyline

Amitriptyline can help patients who have nerve pain. It works by releasing serotonin in the brain and is commonly used for treating depression. However, recent studies have found it very effective in relieving discomfort for those with Morton’s neuroma. 

Orthopedic devices

Toe wedges, small silicone devices placed between the toes, can also help with the condition. These wedges help to separate the toes, creating more room and thus putting less pressure on the neuroma. You can also use adhesive pads placed on the ball of the foot to release pressure on the nerves. 

Finding a pain reliever that works for you is important, so don’t be afraid to try different options.

When Should I Seek Medical Attention for Morton’s Neuroma?

If you have a more severe case of Morton’s neuroma, then you may need to see a podiatrist. If you believe that the pain is hindering you from completing daily tasks, a podiatrist can recommend a range of treatment options. 

There are both surgical and non-surgical treatments available, including:

Corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation in the foot. They work by injecting a steroid directly into the neuroma. These injections can be performed numerous times throughout the year and provide relief quickly. Alcohol injections can also reduce the general size of the neuroma. 

Physical therapy

You can also undergo physical therapy to help ease the inflammation of the neuroma. A professional will assess the size of your neuroma and your discomfort before recommending a series of exercises you can do to alleviate the pressure.

Surgical Options

If you have a particularly severe case of Morton’s neuroma, then surgery could be the best option for pain relief. There are two types of surgery to alleviate Morton’s neuroma:

Neurectomy

When you undergo a neurectomy, the diseased nerve tissue is removed from your foot. This surgery removes the plantar nerve's nerve tissue to prevent the issue from returning. Eligibility for this surgery will depend on the size of the neuroma itself, so it’s not suitable for everyone.

Decompression surgery

This procedure is similar to a neurectomy, targeting the plantar digital nerve. However, instead of being removed, the tendon is cut. Cutting the tendon helps to decompress the nerve while alleviating swelling. The procedure can be performed endoscopically and typically yields positive outcomes.

Additional Approaches to Treatment

If you don’t want to undergo surgery, you can first experiment with acupuncture or chiropractic treatment. These are perfectly valid and are often effective at helping alleviate the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma.

Podiatry Help in Idaho Falls

If you are struggling with Morton’s neuroma, we can help. Contact Teton Foot and Ankle today to see how our team of podiatrists in Idaho Falls can assist you.