Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s Neuroma Treatment in Santa Monica, CA

At SoCal Sports Podiatry, our doctors specialize in treating Morton’s neuroma to alleviate pain and restore comfort to your feet. We provide personalized treatment options, including custom orthotics, physical therapy, and advanced therapies tailored to your needs. Schedule an appointment with us today to start your journey toward lasting relief.

What is Morton’s Neuroma? Morton’s neuroma is characterized by the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to the toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. This thickening, or neuroma, causes irritation and compression of the nerve, leading to pain and discomfort in the affected area.

Causes of Morton’s Neuroma

Footwear: Wearing tight, high-heeled shoes or shoes with inadequate support can put excessive pressure on the forefoot, leading to the development of Morton’s neuroma.

Foot Structure: Abnormal foot structures, such as high arches or flat feet, can contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma by altering the distribution of weight and pressure on the foot.

Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve repetitive stress on the forefoot, such as running or high-impact sports, can increase the risk of developing Morton’s neuroma.

Trauma: Direct injury or trauma to the foot can contribute to the development of Morton’s neuroma.

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma often manifests as a sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes and typically worsens with activities that apply pressure to the foot. Individuals may experience numbness, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation in the toes. Swelling in the ball of the foot or toes can occur, although it might not always be visible. Many people report feeling as if they are walking on a pebble or have a lump in the ball of the foot, which leads to significant discomfort.

Diagnosis and Treatment at SoCal Sports Podiatry

At SoCal Sports Podiatry, our team of specialists conducts a thorough evaluation to diagnose Morton’s neuroma. This includes a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRI to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of the neuroma.

Treatment Options

Conservative Management

• Footwear Modification: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box, better arch support, and avoiding high heels can help relieve pressure on the affected nerve.
• Orthotics: Custom-made orthotic inserts can provide additional support and cushioning to the foot, reducing pressure on the neuroma.
• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches can improve foot mechanics and alleviate symptoms.

Advanced Treatments

• Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting corticosteroids into the affected area can help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain.
• Sclerosing Injections: These injections involve injecting a sclerosing agent to shrink the neuroma and reduce symptoms.

Surgical Intervention: In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered. Surgery may involve removing the neuroma or decompressing the affected nerve to relieve pain and improve foot function.

Morton’s Neuroma Prevention

Preventing Morton’s neuroma involves several practical steps. Wearing proper footwear is important—choose shoes with a wide toe box, good arch support, and cushioning to minimize pressure on the forefoot. Managing foot stress by avoiding activities that place excessive strain on the forefoot and taking breaks during high-impact exercises can also be beneficial. Additionally, using orthotic devices like custom-made inserts provides extra support and reduces the risk of developing this condition.

For expert diagnosis and treatment of Morton’s neuroma, visit SoCal Sports Podiatry at 2001 Santa Monica Blvd. Suite 465-W. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care to alleviate your foot pain and improve your quality of life. Call us at (310) 395-5025 to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards effective relief and recovery.