Morton’s Neuroma in Allentown

Morton’s Neuroma (also known as Morton’s metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuralgia, plantar neuroma and intermetatarsal neuroma) is a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot. Most commonly, it’s the result of an injury to the nerve which travels between the third and fourth toes, causing pain and thickening of the nerve.

No visible signs of deformity, restricted movement, or irritation accompany Morton’s Neuroma, but applying pressure between the metatarsal heads will replicate the symptoms.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

• The feeling in your foot as if standing on a pebble or a fold in your sock
• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot
• Toes may sting, burn, feel numb, or have shooting pain

What causes Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma is a response to irritation, pressure, or injury to one of the nerves that lead to your toes. The thickening of the nerve tissue (neuroma) is part of your body’s response to the irritation or injury. Abnormal bone structure may contribute as well.

Treatments for Morton’s Neuroma

Your podiatrist at PA Foot and Ankle Associates may recommend one or more of these treatments to manage your Morton’s Neuroma:

• Change in footwear
• Over the counter pain medicine
• Over the counter or custom designed orthotics (shoe inserts) to shift body weight off irritated area
• Cortisone injections to relieve pain and inflammation

Conservative treatments like those above are usually successful in relieving the discomfort from Morton’s Neuroma. In rare instances however, surgery may be required.