Will a Morton's Neuroma Resolve on Its Own?

Morton's neuroma is a small problem that occurs in one of the smaller parts of your anatomy, but it causes big-time pain. Walking around with Morton's neuroma can be next to impossible and have you begging for mercy with every step. 

Drs. Stephen Barrett and Sequioa DuCasse at US Neuropathy Centers have years of experience diagnosing and treating Morton's neuroma. We know exactly what your feet need to heal properly. 

Here's what to expect when you have Morton's neuroma. 

How is Morton's neuroma diagnosed?

Often, diagnosing Morton's neuroma is as simple as feeling your feet for a lump between your bones. We put gentle pressure on certain points of your foot to try to replicate the pain and pinpoint the damaged nerve. 

We may also assess your range of motion to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis. Sometimes, it's necessary to take an X-ray or MRI scan of your foot to make sure you haven't fractured a bone or developed a soft tissue abnormality. 

Can I expect it to go away on its own?

Unfortunately, Morton's neuroma won't go away on its own. At the very least, you must take steps to relieve the pressure on the affected nerve. 

That usually means swapping your shoes for something more supportive, taking over-the-counter pain medication, using orthotics, and possibly changing your activity levels for a while to allow the nerve time to heal. 

Physical therapy is another option for Morton's neuroma. We guide you through stretches and exercises to loosen your foot's muscles and connective tissues.  

More often than not, we can treat Morton's neuroma without surgery. But if you have a severe case that won't respond to conservative measures, we begin discussing your surgical options. 

The good news is that surgery for Morton's neuroma is a quick, effective outpatient procedure. We perform an endoscopic decompression, which involves using a thin, flexible tube with a camera and fiber-optic light at the end to give us a clear visual of the inside of your foot. 

This allows us to accurately locate the affected nerve and make strategic incisions to decompress the nerve while leaving the surrounding tissues unharmed. Most of our patients can bear weight immediately after surgery and lace up their athletic shoes the next day. 

Is there anything I can do to prevent them?

Whether or not you need surgery, once you've gone through Morton's neuroma, you never want to again. Fortunately, you can do a few things to keep this painful condition from returning. 

Morton's neuroma develops when the nerves in your feet come under excessive pressure or compression between your toes, which causes inflammation and irritation. 

Your foot shape, shoe choices, activity preferences, and even your prescriptions can all play a role in your likelihood of developing Morton's neuroma. So, we recommend you adhere to the following foot-friendly habits to keep them at bay:

• Avoid wearing tight and/or high-heeled shoes, especially for long periods
• Find shoes with a wide toe box that gives your toes space
• Wear supportive, shock-absorbing shoes when playing sports
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Focus on proper form while working out to avoid added pressure on your foot

Do you suspect you have Morton's neuroma? Don't wait for it to go away. Call or click to schedule an appointment at our Marietta, Georgia, office today.