Morton's Neuroma Specialist

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic

Podiatrists & Foot and Ankle Surgeons located in Normal, IL & Pontiac, IL

If you wear tight, ill-fitting shoes, or you participate in high-impact athletic activities like running or mountain climbing, you’re also more likely to experience a Morton’s neuroma. At Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic, with two convenient locations in Normal and Pontiac, Illinois, Craig Cortese, DPM, FACFAS, Steve Yeschek, DPM, and Carl Cortese, BS, DPM, FACFAS, use safe, effective treatments to ease pain and discomfort caused by Morton’s neuromas. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a consultation online today.

Morton's Neuroma Q & A

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a benign growth that causes sharp, shooting, or burning pain in the ball of your foot. It occurs when the tissue around a nerve that leads to a toe becomes irritated or compressed.

Anyone can experience Morton’s neuroma, but it’s especially common in middle-aged women and athletes. When left untreated, Morton’s neuroma can make it difficult to walk, stand, or exercise.

What are the symptoms of Morton’s neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma doesn’t present any outward symptoms like a bump or lump. Instead, the condition usually causes burning or stinging pain, tingling or numbness that affects the toes, or the sensation of having a rock or small pebble in your shoe. Some people with Morton’s neuroma experience no pain at all.

What causes Morton’s neuroma?

Researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes Morton’s neuroma, but several factors are thought to play a role, including:

Wearing tight or ill-fitting shoes
Wearing high heels
Foot or gait abnormality
High impact sports that place pressure on the balls of your feet
Sports that require tight shoes like ballet, skiing, or rock climbing

Certain foot-related problems can also increase your risk of Morton’s neuroma, including flat feet, high arches, bunions, and hammertoes.

How is Morton’s neuroma diagnosed?

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic diagnosis Morton’s neuroma during an in-office consultation.

First, your provider reviews your medical history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam. Then, your provider carefully examines your foot, gently placing pressure on the balls of your feet and toes. Your provider also asks you to wiggle your toes.

To rule out other potential problems, like arthritis or a stress fracture, your provider orders X-rays or an MRI. These diagnostic screening procedures provide detailed images of the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your feet.

How is Morton’s neuroma treated?

Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic usually recommends conservative, integrative treatments to ease pain caused by Morton’s neuroma.

For example, at-home treatments like rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol), massaging the ball of your foot, or exercising your ankles and toes may provide relief.

If your pain persists or gets worse, your provider might recommend corticosteroid injections, alcohol sclerosing injections, custom orthotics, met pads, or MLS therapy. In rare instances, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Don’t let Morton’s neuroma keep you from your favorite activities. Schedule an appointment at Cortese Foot & Ankle Clinic by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.