Morton's Neuroma Treatment in Fairfax, VA

Overview

A Morton's neuroma is a thickening of the tissue around a nerve running between the toes, most often between the third and fourth. Pressure from the surrounding bones irritates the nerve, causing sharp, burning, or tingling pain in the ball of the foot.

Symptoms

• Burning pain in the ball of the foot, often spreading into the toes
• A feeling of standing on a pebble or a folded sock
• Numbness or tingling between the toes
• Relief when taking shoes off and rubbing the foot

Causes and risk factors

• Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes
• High-impact activities such as running
• Bunions, hammertoes, high arches, or flat feet
• Repeated pressure on the forefoot

Diagnosis

We press between the metatarsal bones to reproduce symptoms and check for a characteristic click. Ultrasound or MRI confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes, such as stress fractures or joint inflammation.

Treatment

• Conservative: wider shoes with a low heel, metatarsal pads, and activity changes
• Orthotics: custom orthotics that spread the bones and offload the nerve
• Injections: corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Surgery: nerve decompression or removal of the neuroma for persistent symptoms (Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Care)

When to see us

Book a visit at our Fairfax office if forefoot burning or numbness lasts more than a couple of weeks or keeps returning despite changing shoes.

Several forefoot problems can mimic a neuroma, so we confirm the diagnosis before treating. Dr. Andrew Falco and Dr. Shyaun Rafii emphasize identifying the underlying cause of symptoms, which for neuromas usually means footwear and forefoot mechanics.