Morton’s neuroma

Diagnosis

Your doctor will apply pressure on your foot during the examination to feel for any lumps or sore spots. Moreover, you can have a “clicking” sensation between the bones of your foot.

Imaging tests

Certain imaging studies are more useful than others when it comes to diagnosing the presence of Morton’s neuroma:

• X-rays. To rule out other potential reasons of your discomfort, such as a stress fracture, your doctor will probably order X-rays of your foot.
• Ultrasound. Using sound waves, this technology can produce real-time views of inside structures. Soft tissue anomalies like neuromas are very well-detected by ultrasound.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). This method utilizes sound waves to generate immediate visuals of inner formations. Ultrasound is effective in detecting anomalies within soft tissue, such as neuromas.
• Electromyography. Your nerves and muscles’ electrical activity are measured during this exam. It can eliminate nerve disorders that might produce symptoms similar to Morton’s neuroma.

Treatment

The course of treatment for your condition will be determined based on the severity of your symptoms. Your physician may suggest starting with more conservative approaches.

Therapy

Wear shoes that provide you enough room in the toe and across the ball of your foot. Metatarsal pads, arch supports, and other foot cushions that fit inside your shoes can assist relieve pressure on the nerve. They can be bought over the counter, or your doctor may recommend a specially built, personally created shoe insert that is shaped to precisely suit the curves of your foot.

Surgery and other procedures

If non-invasive treatments have proven ineffective, your doctor may recommend:

• Injections. The injection of steroids into the sore area helps some people.
• Decompression surgery. In some cases, surgeons may release pressure on the nerve by cutting adjacent tissues, such as the ligament that connects part of the bones in the front of the foot.
• Nerve removal. If various therapies do not relieve the pain, the growth may need to be surgically removed. Surgery can leave the affected toes permanently numb, even though it is typically effective.