Morton’s neuroma is a painful condition that affects the ball of the foot, often causing a sharp, burning pain or a feeling like there’s a pebble in your shoe. If you’ve been diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma, you might be wondering if it can be cured and what steps you can take to relieve your symptoms.

At South Dublin Podiatry we’re committed to helping you understand your condition and the available treatment options. In this blog post, we’ll explore whether Morton’s neuroma can be cured, what treatments are available, and how you can manage your symptoms for long-term relief.

What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes, usually between the third and fourth toes. It’s an inflammation or irritation of the nerve, often caused by excessive pressure or trauma. Symptoms can include:

• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot.

• Numbness or tingling in your toes.

• A sensation that there’s something inside your shoe, like a small stone or a fold in your sock.

Is Morton’s Neuroma Curable?

The answer to whether Morton’s neuroma can be "cured" depends on how you define a cure. While some people experience complete and permanent relief from their symptoms, others may need ongoing management to keep the condition under control. The success of treatment often depends on the severity of the condition and how early it’s addressed.

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

1. Conservative Treatments

   • Footwear Modifications: One of the first steps in managing Morton’s neuroma is to wear shoes with a wider toe box, low heels, and good arch support. This reduces pressure on the nerve and can significantly alleviate symptoms.

   • Orthotics: Custom orthotic insoles can help redistribute weight away from the affected nerve, providing relief and preventing further irritation.

   • Padding and Taping: Padding the ball of the foot or taping the toes can also help reduce pressure and alleviate discomfort.

   • Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can reduce pain and inflammation.

2. Injections

   • Corticosteroid Injections: These can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in the affected area. Some patients experience significant relief after one or two injections, though the effects may be temporary.

3. Physical Therapy
   Physical therapy can help by stretching and strengthening the muscles in your foot, which can reduce pressure on the affected nerve. Specific exercises and massage techniques can also help alleviate pain and prevent recurrence.

4. Minimally Invasive Procedures

   • Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA): This technique uses heat generated by radio waves to destroy the affected nerve, providing long-term relief. It’s a minimally invasive procedure with a relatively quick recovery time.

   • Cryotherapy: This procedure involves freezing the nerve to reduce pain. It’s another minimally invasive option that can offer significant relief for some patients.

5. Surgical Treatment
   If conservative treatments and minimally invasive procedures don’t provide sufficient relief, surgery may be considered. The most common surgical procedure for Morton’s neuroma is a neurectomy, where the affected nerve is removed.

   • Neurectomy: This procedure has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing permanent relief from their symptoms. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including numbness in the toes or a possible recurrence of symptoms.

Can Morton’s Neuroma Go Away On Its Own?

In some cases, early intervention with conservative treatments like footwear changes and orthotics can lead to a significant reduction in symptoms or even complete relief. However, if Morton’s neuroma is left untreated or the underlying causes (such as wearing tight shoes) aren’t addressed, the condition is unlikely to resolve on its own and may worsen over time.

Long-Term Management and Prevention

For many people, managing Morton’s neuroma is about long-term care rather than a one-time cure. Here are some tips for preventing a recurrence or managing the condition effectively:

• Choose Proper Footwear: Always opt for shoes that fit well, with plenty of room in the toe box, good arch support, and low heels.

• Use Orthotics: If recommended by your podiatrist, continue using custom orthotics ( insoles) to support your foot and reduce pressure on the affected nerve.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can put more pressure on your feet, so maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent symptoms from returning.

• Avoid High-Impact Activities: If you notice that certain activities, like running on hard surfaces, exacerbate your symptoms, try switching to lower-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.

Conclusion

While Morton’s neuroma can be a persistent and painful condition, many people find significant relief through a combination of treatments. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, the key to managing Morton’s neuroma is early intervention and a tailored treatment plan.

At  South Dublin Podiatry, we’re here to help you find the best approach for your needs. Our experienced podiatrists can guide you through your treatment options and provide the care you need to get back on your feet—pain-free. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Morton’s neuroma, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with us today.

Your foot health is our priority, and we’re committed to helping you walk comfortably and confidently.

For more information, why not check out our other blog on Morton's neuroma

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