A Morton’s Neuroma is a common nerve issue that I see in my practice located in Alexandria, Virginia.
This condition is characterized by a thickening of the interdigital nerve located between the 3rd and 4th toe.
Symptoms of a Morton’s Neuroma include:
- Tingling, burning and numbness
- Pain
- A feeling that something is inside the ball of the foot
- A feeling that there is something in the shoe like a rock or pebble or like the sock is scrunched up
Diagnosis can be made in a few different ways including clinical examination. There is a special maneuver Dr. Nodelman can perform to elicit what is known at Mulder’s click. This click is appreciated when the nerve is large enough to snap between the metatarsal bones in the forefoot. Diagnosis can be confirmed with ultrasound and MRI too. Neuroma’s will not show up on an x-ray.
Conservative treatment options include shoe modifications, orthotics, anti-inflammatories or other pain medications, cortisone injections, massage, or physical therapy.
Surgical management is reserved for cases that do not response to the above mentioned conservative treatment options. The classic surgical approach for a symptomatic painful neuroma is removal of the neuroma (called a neurectomy). An incision is placed on the top of the foot between the 3rd and 4th toe metatarsals. The neuroma and two nerve branches extending into the 3rd and 4th toes are identified and removed as well.
If you are suffering from pain in the ball of the foot and believe you have a neuroma I recommend formal evaluation for diagnosis. Request a consultation with Dr. Nodelman today to come up with a treatment plan that offers long-lasting relief.