Neuroma Specialist

West Suburban Podiatry Our Services Neuroma

West Suburban Podiatry

Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons located in Western Springs, IL

Morton’s neuroma causes burning pain, tingling, or numbness in the ball of your foot. It’s a common foot problem, especially among women. The podiatry specialists at West Suburban Podiatry in Western Springs, Illinois, offer expert diagnosis and patient-centered care for all types of neuromas affecting the feet. Let the team end your Morton’s neuroma symptoms: Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Neuroma Q & A

What is Morton's neuroma?

Morton's neuroma is a non-cancerous tissue growth affecting an intermetatarsal plantar nerve between your toes. Typically, Morton's neuroma appears between your third and fourth toes but can also develop between the second and third toes. 

Although it's medically called a tumor, Morton's neuroma is technically a thickening within the tissue around your intermetatarsal plantar nerve rather than entirely new tissue growth. 

Morton's neuroma causes pain and other uncomfortable symptoms in the ball of your foot. Pressure, including walking and standing, can worsen symptoms. 

What are the signs of Morton's neuroma?

Typical Morton's neuroma symptoms affecting the ball of your foot can include:

  • Pain
  • Burning sensation
  • Numbness
  • Tingling or pins-and-needles feeling
  • Swelling

Sometimes these symptoms can radiate into your toes, as well. 

Many Morton's neuroma sufferers say it feels like a marble stuck in their shoe. Because Morton's neuroma isn't an actual tumor, you can't typically see a bump on the pad of your foot.

What causes Morton's neuroma?

The primary cause of Morton's neuroma is pressure, irritation, or repetitive trauma involving an intermetatarsal plantar nerve. 

Several different things can induce pressure, irritation, and trauma, including wearing high heels regularly and playing high-impact sports like distance running and basketball.

Deformities like bunions and hammertoe can alter your movement patterns; they can potentially contribute to Morton’s neuroma development as well. 

What does Morton's Neuroma treatment involve?

Your West Suburban Podiatry specialist discusses all your treatment options and helps you choose the most effective solution. Nonoperative for Morton's neuroma can include:

  • Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication
  • Shoe changes: Choosing a wider toe box, and less frequent high heel wear
  • Custom orthotics: Shoe inserts that correct irregular foot movements
  • MLS cold laser therapy: Light-based treatment to decrease inflammation and pain
  • Corticosteroid injections: Injections to ease inflammation and pain

If your Morton's neuroma symptoms don't dramatically improve with nonoperative treatments, your podiatrist may recommend a surgical procedure. Your doctor can relieve nerve pressure through decompression or even remove a portion of the painful nerve, if needed, with surgery. 

If the ball of your foot constantly hurts or feels numb, it’s time to see a Morton’s neuroma specialist for relief. Call West Suburban Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.

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