In the late 1800s, a doctor named Dr. Morton was the first to isolate and classify a painful foot condition that would later come to be known as Morton’s neuroma. While the name seems to indicate a cancerous growth, Morton’s neuroma is not a tumor, rather, it describes excessive nerve growth. This article will discuss the surgical treatments for Morton’s neuroma and some of the options that Best Foot Doctor NY offers.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma is a condition that affects the ball of the foot. A nerve in this area becomes inflamed and thickens causing added sensation and pain signals to the brain. Patients typically develop a neuroma on one foot at a time.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Morton’s neuroma include:
- sharp pain at the ball of the foot, usually isolated between the third and fourth toes
- phantom sensations commonly described as feeling like there is a pebble in your shoe or your sock is bunched up
- difficulty walking
- numbness or tingling
- swelling
Risk Factors
Certain factors can increase your risk of Morton’s neuroma.
- running or participating in active sports (such as tennis or racquetball) for long periods of time
- wearing shoes with a high heel or tight toe area
- bunions
- hammertoes
- flat feet
- bursitis
Non-Surgical Treatments
Before surgery for Morton’s neuroma, your doctor may suggest more conservative treatments such as ice, rest, and gentle massage. Wear shoes that support your foot well, are not too tight, and have low heels.
Custom foot orthotics, shoe pads, and corticosteroid injections can also help relieve pain and reduce nerve inflammation.
Considerations for Morton’s Neuroma Surgery
Your podiatrist may sometimes recommend surgery for more severe or recurring cases. Surgery for Morton’s neuroma is fairly simple and based on the cause of the inflammation.
Treat the Cause
Treating the bunion, hammertoe, or bursitis can remove the cause of nerve inflammation and provide relief.
Decompression Surgery
Decompression surgery involves removing surrounding structures compressing the nerve and causing inflammation.
Neurectomy
Finally, you may need the nerve itself removed in a surgery referred to as a partial neurectomy.
Risks of Morton’s Neuroma Surgery
Any surgery carries the risk of infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions for post-op care and contact their office immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms.
- excessive pain, swelling, and redness at the surgical site
- fever or flu-like symptoms
After a neurectomy, some patients do not regain feeling in the base of the foot where the nerve was removed and the nearby toes. This is normal, as the nerve does not always grow back.
After surgery, continue to wear supportive shoes and gradually increase activity under the supervision of your NYC podiatrist.
Next Steps
Our providers at Best Foot Doctor NY offer supportive consultations for those suffering from Morton’s neuroma. At our Queens, Manhattan, and Brooklyn offices we provide diagnosis, treatment options, and post-op care for patients of all ages. Contact us today to get started.