Understanding the symptoms
Morton’s neuroma involves thickening around a small nerve leading to the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. Despite the name, it is not a true tumor. Pressure or irritation around the nerve can make shoes and walking uncomfortable.
Pain may spread into adjacent toes, with numbness or tingling. Tight footwear and activities that load the forefoot can aggravate symptoms. There may be no visible lump, so the appearance of the foot does not establish the diagnosis.
Confirm the cause of forefoot pain
Evaluation includes the location and pattern of pain, examination of the spaces between the toes, and assessment of toe alignment and joint motion. Stress fractures, joint problems, and other conditions can cause similar discomfort.
X-rays may help identify a bone or joint cause. Ultrasound or other imaging is considered when it adds useful information. Describe when your symptoms worsen or improve and which activities are affected.
Treatment begins with nonsurgical options
Wider shoes, metatarsal pads or inserts, and activity changes may reduce pressure on the nerve. Medication or a corticosteroid injection may be considered as part of an individualized plan.
Persistent symptoms can lead to a discussion of surgery to release pressure or remove the affected nerve segment. Potential tradeoffs include numbness, ongoing pain, or a painful stump neuroma. Discuss which options fit your diagnosis, their risks, and the recovery requirements before choosing treatment.
Questions patients ask
Why does it feel as though there is a pebble in my shoe?
Irritation and thickening around a nerve in the forefoot can cause that sensation, burning or tingling into the toes. There may be no visible lump. Other forefoot problems can feel similar, so an examination is needed to establish the cause.
Does a Morton’s neuroma always need surgery?
No. Treatment may start with wider footwear, padding or inserts and activity adjustments. Medication or an injection can be considered when appropriate. Surgery is discussed for selected persistent symptoms after the diagnosis and available options have been reviewed.
Could surgery leave part of my toes numb?
Removing the affected nerve segment can leave permanent numbness in the area it supplies. Persistent pain or a painful stump neuroma can also occur. Ask which procedure is proposed and how its benefits and tradeoffs apply to your symptoms.
Talk through your options with Dr. Miller.
Schedule a visit in Houston or Spring to discuss your symptoms, treatment options, or a second opinion.
Schedule an Appointment ↗Call (281) 440-6960This information provides general education. Your diagnosis, treatment options, and recovery plan depend on an individual evaluation.