Morton's neuroma ball-of-foot pain treated at Foot Centers of Maryland

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Maryland

A neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve, most commonly between the third and fourth toes, where it is known as Morton’s neuroma. It develops in response to chronic irritation and compression of the nerve and can cause sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot. The podiatrists at Foot Centers of Maryland diagnose and treat neuromas for patients in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Timonium, and Reisterstown, MD.

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Causes and Contributing Factors

  • Footwear: Narrow, high-heeled, or pointed shoes squeeze the toes together and compress the nerve between the metatarsal bones.
  • Foot Mechanics: Overpronation, flat feet, high arches, bunions, and hammertoes increase stress on the forefoot.
  • Trauma: Direct injury to the ball of the foot.
  • Repetitive Stress: High-impact activities such as running and court sports.

Symptoms of a Neuroma

  • Sharp, Burning Pain: Pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes.
  • Tingling and Numbness: Pins and needles or loss of feeling in the affected toes.
  • “Pebble” Sensation: Feeling like you are walking on a marble or a wrinkled sock.
  • Relief When Barefoot: Pain that improves when shoes are removed and the foot is massaged.

Diagnosing a Neuroma

Your podiatrist will press on the spaces between the toes to reproduce symptoms and check for a clicking sensation. X-rays may be taken to rule out a stress fracture or arthritis, and ultrasound or MRI can confirm the neuroma when needed. Other causes of forefoot pain, such as fat pad thinning, can mimic a neuroma.

Treatment Options from Conservative to Surgical

  • Footwear Changes: Shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel.
  • Custom Orthotics: Devices with metatarsal pads that separate the bones and relieve nerve pressure.
  • Padding: Cushioning to reduce pressure on the ball of the foot.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, or sclerosing (alcohol) injections to calm the nerve.
  • Advanced Therapies: Shockwave Therapy may help manage chronic nerve-related pain.
  • Surgical Excision (Neurectomy): If conservative care fails, removing the neuroma offers a highly effective, permanent solution through foot and ankle surgery.

Morton’s Neuroma FAQs

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve between the toes, usually the third and fourth, which causes pain in the ball of the foot.

What does a neuroma feel like?

It often feels like sharp, burning pain, tingling, or numbness, or like walking on a pebble inside your shoe.

What causes a neuroma?

Tight or high-heeled shoes, abnormal foot mechanics, repetitive stress, and injury can all compress and irritate the nerve.

Can a neuroma go away on its own?

A neuroma does not usually disappear on its own, but symptoms often improve with footwear changes, orthotics, and injections.

Do custom orthotics help neuromas?

Yes. Orthotics with a metatarsal pad spread the bones apart and reduce pressure on the nerve.

When is neuroma surgery recommended?

Surgery is considered when pain persists despite conservative treatments. Removing the neuroma is highly effective for chronic pain.

Is recovery from neuroma surgery long?

Most patients return to comfortable shoes within a few weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure.

Relieve Your Ball-of-Foot Pain

Do not keep walking on painful nerve pain. Call (410) 844-4700 - Overlea Office, Mercy Office, Reisterstown Office, Glen Burnie Office, or Lutherville Office or request an appointment at our Overlea, Mercy, Glen Burnie, Lutherville, or Reisterstown office.

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