Will a Morton’s Neuroma Resolve on Its Own?

Have you ever felt like you’re walking on a pebble that isn’t really there? Or maybe you experience burning pain or numbness in the ball of your foot that comes and goes. If so, you may have a Morton’s neuroma.

Morton’s neuroma is a foot condition that affects the nerve between your toes, and it’s more common than most people realize. It affects 33% of people with foot pain.

While mild symptoms may improve temporarily with rest or footwear changes, a Morton’s neuroma typically doesn’t resolve on its own without addressing the underlying cause, so what can you do about it?

You don’t have to navigate neuroma treatment on your own. Our podiatry team helps people throughout New York City find relief. 

Read on to learn what you should know about Morton’s neuroma and when it’s time to seek treatment at NYC Foot & Ankle Center in the Manhattan Valley neighborhood of the Upper West Side.

What is Morton’s neuroma?

Although the word “neuroma” suggests a tumor, Morton’s neuroma isn’t a tumor in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a thickening of the tissue (called benign perineural fibrosis) surrounding one of the nerves between your third and fourth toes.

The condition develops when repeated pressure or irritation causes the nerve to become inflamed. You might sometimes hear Morton’s neuroma called compressive neuropathy for this reason. Women are more likely than men to develop Morton’s neuroma, particularly if they frequently wear high heels or narrow-toed shoes.

You might suspect you have Morton’s neuroma if you have burning pain in the ball of your foot, tingling toes, or feel like you’re standing on a folded sock. Most people find that neuroma pain worsens when they walk or wear tight shoes but lessens when they massage their foot.

Can a Morton’s neuroma heal without treatment?

Unfortunately, not usually. Once your nerve becomes chronically irritated and the surrounding tissue thickens, the condition typically progresses unless the source of the irritation is addressed.

While changing your footwear or resting your foot may temporarily ease discomfort, these measures don’t reverse the thickened tissue around the nerve. Without treatment, you may notice that your symptoms often become more frequent or severe over time.

The good news is that early podiatric treatment here at NYC Foot & Ankle Center can help relieve your pain and may prevent the condition from progressing.

When should you see a foot and ankle specialist?

It’s easy to dismiss occasional foot pain, especially if it comes and goes. However, Morton’s neuroma can continue to worsen if not treated.

Schedule an evaluation with our team if you experience:

• Pain that lasts more than a few weeks
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in your toes
• Pain that limits walking, exercise, or daily activities
• Symptoms that continue despite wearing more supportive footwear

At NYC Foot & Ankle Center, we perform a comprehensive examination to determine whether Morton’s neuroma is causing your symptoms or if another foot condition is responsible.

How we treat Morton’s neuroma

Our team begins with a comprehensive evaluation to determine the severity of your condition and identify what’s causing the nerve irritation. If it’s not a neuroma, we get you on the appropriate treatment path. Neuropathy, for example, can also cause tingling toes.

For many people, conservative treatment is enough to relieve Morton’s neuroma symptoms. Depending on your needs, we may recommend:

• Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on your thickened nerve
• Shoes with a wider toe box
• Activity modifications to minimize irritation
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation

Surgery is typically reserved for people whose symptoms don’t improve with conservative care. Fortunately, most people don’t require surgery. In fact, only about 29% of people go on to have surgery after corticosteroid injections.

Our goal is always to start with the least invasive treatment that effectively relieves your pain. 

Don’t ignore persistent foot pain

If you’re experiencing burning pain, numbness, or the sensation of walking on a pebble, don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Call our office to schedule your appointment and learn which treatment options can help you get back on your feet comfortably.