Quick Fixes for Morton's Neuroma

Most patients suffering from a painful Morton’s Neuroma obtain relief through non-surgical treatments. Here are some simple treatment options that patients can try at home:

• Rest- The onset of a Morton’s Neuroma is usually gradual. In some cases, a neuroma can occur suddenly, after a long workout, a new activity or a trip to a walking city like Disney World. In these instances, taking 5 to 7 days to rest and allow your body to heal can be very beneficial.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications- Similar to rest, a short course of over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can allow your body to heal, if the onset of the Neuroma symptoms is relatively sudden.

• Assess Your Shoes- Shoes with a heel exceeding 2 inches, and shoes with narrow toe boxes place increased stress on the toes and the bones along the ball of the foot. This can aggravate a neuroma, but this doesn’t only apply to women’s shoes. This can also be true for certain athletic cleats and sport-specific running shoes that have tapered, snug-fitting toe boxes. Being mindful of shoe selection can allow a neuroma to resolve.

• Assess Your Activities- As with shoes, certain activities place added pressure on the ball of the foot: an inclined treadmill, soccer, ballet, ladder climbing, and bootcamp-style workouts are common examples. Decreasing the frequency and intensity of one of these activities can allow time for a neuroma to resolve; sometimes, a temporary break from one of these activities is necessary.

• Metatarsal Pad- A metatarsal pad is a teardrop shaped, cushion that adheres to the insole of a shoe. These pads are designed to shift pressure away from the ball of the foot. Placement of the pad is important, so purchasing one at running specialty store can help with selecting the correct pad and having the correct fit.

• Full-Length Shoe Inserts- Some patients find the adhesive or “stick on” pads too difficult to place in the shoe or just too awkward of a fit. Full-length inserts with a metatarsal pad are available. Due to the thickness of these pads, they generally do best in tennis shoes and men’s dress shoes.

• Stretching- Calf muscle tightness or contracture places extra pressure on the bottom of the foot. This can create a condition called equinus in the foot. Simple calf and hamstring stretching can help with this. With stretching, it’s important to remember that consistency is more important than intensity.

A Morton’s Neuroma is a common cause of pain on the ball of the foot. Most patients suffering from a Morton’s Neuroma obtain relief with non-surgical treatments. Hopefully one of these quick fixes will help, and if discomfort continues, contact our Baton Rouge podiatry clinic to request an appointment .