Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s neuroma is a painful thickening of the nerve tissue between the toes, most commonly between the third and fourth toes. It develops from chronic irritation or compression, often due to tight shoes or repetitive forefoot stress.
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, our podiatrists use advanced imaging and targeted treatment to relieve nerve pressure and eliminate forefoot pain, allowing patients to walk comfortably again.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen with prolonged walking or narrow shoes. Patients often describe:
- Burning or tingling pain between the toes
- Numbness in the forefoot
- Sensation of “walking on a pebble” or having something inside the shoe
- Pain relief when removing shoes or massaging the foot
During your visit, your podiatrist will perform a physical exam, checking for tenderness and a palpable “click” (Mulder’s sign) between the affected toes.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, but imaging helps confirm the presence and severity of nerve thickening:
- Ultrasound: Detects soft tissue enlargement or inflammation
- MRI: Visualizes nerve compression and excludes other causes of metatarsalgia
At The Medical Group of New Jersey, diagnostic imaging and custom orthotic evaluation are available on-site, ensuring efficient and accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing nerve compression and inflammation.
Conservative Care
- Footwear modification: Choose wide, low-heeled shoes with soft soles
- Custom orthotics: Distribute pressure evenly and relieve irritation
- Padding or metatarsal supports: Reduce nerve compression
- Anti-inflammatory medication or ice therapy for symptom control
Injections & Surgical Options
If conservative care fails, your podiatrist may recommend:
- Corticosteroid injections: Reduce inflammation around the nerve
- Alcohol sclerosing injections: Minimize nerve pain in chronic cases
- Surgical excision (neurectomy): Removes the enlarged nerve for long-term relief
Surgery is typically outpatient, and recovery is guided by your podiatrist to ensure a safe return to activity.
Ongoing Management & Prevention
To prevent recurrence or new neuromas:
- Avoid narrow or high-heeled shoes
- Use custom orthotics or padding for forefoot support
- Maintain flexibility in the feet with regular stretching
- Schedule periodic foot evaluations
Long-term outcomes are excellent with proper diagnosis, footwear, and follow-up care at The Medical Group of New Jersey.