NYC Foot & Ankle Center
NYC Foot & Ankle Center
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Morton's Neuroma

Podiatry located in Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side, New York, NY

Up to 1 in 3 Americans has a Morton’s neuroma –– inflammation of one of the nerves in the ball of the foot. At NYC Foot & Ankle Center in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side, expert podiatrists Diana Valencia, DPM, Emmanuel Bustos, DPM, and the team provide high-quality care for Morton’s neuroma to relieve pain and restore mobility. To schedule a consultation, call the New York City office today, or click the online booking feature. 

Morton's Neuroma Q & A

What is a Morton’s neuroma?

A Morton’s neuroma is inflammation that occurs in the interdigital nerves between your third and fourth toes. Over time, the swelling thickens the nerves, causing pain and mobility problems. 

Contact NYC Foot & Ankle Center immediately if you have pain in the ball of your foot. Without treatment, neuromas grow larger and cause permanent nerve damage. 

What are the symptoms of a Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma symptoms include:

  • Pain in the ball of your foot
  • Pain between your third and fourth toes when standing or walking
  • Swelling between your toes
  • Tingling or numbness in your feet

At first, you might notice these symptoms only occur occasionally. But as the inflammation worsens, it becomes harder to wear shoes and stay on your feet. 

What causes a Morton’s neuroma?

A Morton’s neuroma forms when the nerves between your third and fourth toes become irritated. This can occur for various reasons, including playing sports, standing on your feet all day, or wearing shoes with narrow, pointed toes. 

Certain health problems can also increase your risk of a neuroma, including flat feet, high arches, and hammertoes.

How is a Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?

Your NYC Foot & Ankle Center provider asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed them and if certain activities, like exercising, make them worse.

They examine the ball of your foot, checking for redness and bruising. Your provider gently presses on the area between your third and fourth toes and has you walk around to assess your gait (how you walk). 

Then, they complete an ultrasound to take pictures of your interdigital nerves and the area around them.

How is a Morton’s neuroma treated?

The NYC Foot & Ankle Center team treats Morton’s neuromas using a conservative, minimally invasive approach. They might suggest:

  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Icing
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication
  • Wearing shoes that provide plenty of room for your toes
  • Shoe pads to cushion the area around your nerves
  • Custom orthotics

Your provider might recommend minimally invasive neuroma surgery if your symptoms continue or affect your mobility. There are several types of neuroma surgery, but they all remove or destroy a part of the affected nerve tissue to provide lasting pain relief. 

To learn more about the treatment options for a Morton’s neuroma, call NYC Foot & Ankle Center today, or book your appointment online.