Morton's neuroma, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, refers to a thickening in the soft tissue of your toe. It can cause severe pain on the bottom of your foot and may feel like you are walking on a ball. You may also notice a burning sensation that radiates to your toes, along with numbness and tingling sensations. Certain sports, such as tennis and running, can raise your risk for Morton's neuroma, as can having flat feet, wearing ill-fitting shoes, and having bunions. Here are some ways a foot and ankle surgeon can diagnose Morton's neuroma and some effective treatment options they may recommend.

Diagnostic Criteria

Certain diagnostic criteria need to be met before your foot and ankle surgeon can confirm a Morton's neuroma diagnosis. If your foot examination reveals the presence of a mass or a lump between your toes that causes pain when pressed, the doctor may suspect Morton's neuroma.

To further confirm or rule out the presence of this condition, magnetic image resonance testing (MRI) and ultrasound imaging may be recommended. Traditional x-rays may also be recommended to rule out other causes of foot pain, such as arthritis or a bone fracture. Unlike an MRI and ultrasound, traditional x-rays are ineffective in showing soft tissue abnormalities such as Morton's neuroma because x-rays only capture images of bones. 

Treatment Options

Your foot and ankle doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen because they are effective in treating neuroma pain and inflammation. While acetaminophen can also help diminish your pain, it does not effectively treat neuroma-related inflammation. Steroid injections may also be recommended to suppress inflammation and relieve the nerve pain associated with Morton's neuroma.

If you still have symptoms after trying the aforementioned conservative treatments, you may be a candidate for surgery. The most common surgical procedure for Morton's neuroma is the neurectomy where the orthopedic foot surgeon removes a portion of the nerve's soft tissue. Another surgical procedure your doctor may recommend is a radiofrequency ablation, where an electric current is used to increase the temperature of the soft tissue of the affected nerve. The effects of the radiofrequency ablation may not offer a permanent solution for your neuroma symptoms, however, its effects can last for up to a year.

If you have any of the above symptoms of Morton's neuroma, make an appointment with a foot and ankle doctor. When this condition is diagnosed and treated promptly, you may be less likely to develop further nerve damage and chronic pain. Contact a local clinic, such as Affinity Health Group, to learn more.