Does a Morton’s Neuroma Ever Go Away?

What is a Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a benign thickening of a normal nerve in the foot. These are most common between the 3^rd and 4^th toes, but can be present between the 2^nd and 3^rd toes as well. Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma usually involve burning, tingling or numbness between one or more toes. Some patients report shooting pain between the toes or achiness on the ball of the foot. Occasionally patients will describe a “bunched sock” feeling in their shoe. Morton’s Neuroma can occur because of injury, gradual overuse, shoe selection or a patient’s natural foot type. Symptoms are usually mild or moderate but can be severe.

What if a Morton’s Neuroma Goes Untreated?

If a Morton’s Neuroma goes untreated a few things can occur. First, symptoms can worsen making a Morton’s Neuroma more painful and potentially more difficult to treat. Second, permanent numbness can develop. Again a neuroma is a thickening or swelling of a normal nerve. As the nerve remains irritated, normal nerve signal conduction can be disrupted. This can disrupt normal sensation between the affected toes. Third, hammertoes or contracting of the affected toes can develop as well. In the normal foot, small muscles called instrinsics help stabilize toes and hold them straight when standing or walking. As a Morton’s Neuroma persists, these small muscles can lose some of their effectiveness causing gradual hammering of the toes.

How to Treat a Morton’s Neuroma?

The good news is that Morton’s Neuroma can often be treated successfully without the need for surgery. First line Morton’s Neuroma treatments consist of shoe and activity modifications. A wider, broad toed shoe can relieve some of the pressure on a Morton’s Neuroma. Sometimes a lower heeled shoe can also help. Certain activities like inclined treadmill, gardening or lunges will put increased pressure on the ball of the foot. Temporarily modifying or discontinuing these types of activities can help with the treatment of a neuroma. Over the counter padding called a metatarsal pad can shift pressure in the shoe away from the neuroma, allowing it to heal. If ineffective, medications can also be beneficial. Often a local injection of numbing medicine combined with a small amount of corticosteroid can help heal neuroma. Depending on an individual’s condition other options may be available.

Morton’s Neuroma is a very common cause of foot pain. Fortunately there are numerous non-surgical options for neuroma treatment. Many patients achieve successful relief of painful symptoms with one of these treatments.