Are you experiencing a sharp, burning pain in the ball of your foot, especially when walking or standing for long periods? Is there numbness between your third and fourth toes?

If your toes feel like they’re being squeezed into a tight space, or you feel a lump in your foot that gets worse with pressure, you might have Morton’s Neuroma.

Common searches like “pain in the ball of the foot” or “numbness between toes” often lead people to discover this condition, which frequently goes unnoticed until the discomfort becomes persistent. Morton’s Neuroma occurs when the tissue surrounding a nerve between the toes becomes thickened, typically between the third and fourth toes. Over time, this pressure can lead to a variety of symptoms that make everyday movement painful.

At The Wellness Firm, we understand the frustration of dealing with Morton’s Neuroma, and we offer effective, non-invasive treatments to get you back on your feet. One of the most promising treatments we offer is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), a highly effective option for those struggling with chronic foot pain.

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What is Morton’s Neuroma?

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition that affects the nerves between the toes, causing the tissue around the nerve to thicken and form a painful lump. This typically occurs between the third and fourth toes, but it can affect other areas as well. The pressure on the nerve leads to pain, tingling, numbness, and a feeling like there’s something inside your shoe.

Anatomy Involved in Morton’s Neuroma

Understanding the anatomy of your foot can help clarify why Morton’s Neuroma happens. The foot is made up of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments, with a network of nerves running throughout. When it comes to Morton’s Neuroma, the focus is on the interdigital nerves—nerves that run between the metatarsal bones (the long bones in your feet).

Most commonly, Morton’s Neuroma affects the nerve between the third and fourth metatarsals. The thickened nerve tissue causes irritation and pressure, which leads to the pain and numbness you may experience in the ball of your foot.

What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?

Several factors contribute to the development of Morton’s Neuroma:

  • High Heels & Tight Shoes: Shoes that place pressure on the toes or squeeze the forefoot increase the risk.
  • Repetitive Stress: Activities that involve a lot of pressure on the toes, such as running or jumping, can contribute.
  • Foot Deformities: Flat feet, high arches, or bunions can create abnormal foot mechanics that increase the risk.
  • Improper Footwear: Choosing shoes that lack proper arch support or cushioning is a leading cause of foot pain.

Signs You Might Have Morton’s Neuroma

The symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and include:

  • Burning pain in the ball of the foot, often described as walking on a marble.
  • Numbness or tingling between the toes.
  • Sharp, shooting pain that worsens with walking, standing, or wearing tight shoes.
  • A lump or bump in the ball of the foot, which may be felt when pressing between the toes.

 What Happens If Morton’s Neuroma Is Left Untreated?

Ignoring Morton’s Neuroma can lead to long-term complications, including:

  • Hammertoes – The pain may cause you to alter the way you walk, leading to toe deformities over time.
  • Permanent Nerve Damage – The affected nerve can become fibrotic and scarred, making pain chronic and harder to treat.
  • Gait Changes – Adjusting your walking pattern to avoid pain can lead to issues in the knees, hips, and lower back.
  • More Invasive Treatments – If fibrosis occurs, surgery may be required to remove the damaged nerve.

Because Morton’s Neuroma can progress and cause irreversible damage, early treatment is essential to avoid long-term pain and mobility issues.

ESWT: The Leading Treatment for Morton’s Neuroma

If you’ve been struggling with Morton’s Neuroma for more than six weeks, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

Why Choose ESWT?

  • FDA-Approved & Non-Surgical: No needles, no surgery, and minimal recovery time.
  • Proven Effectiveness: A study in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery demonstrated that ESWT significantly reduced pain and improved function in 70% of participants with Morton’s Neuroma.
  • Stimulates Healing: Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and stimulate the body’s natural healing process, targeting the thickened tissue surrounding the nerve.
  • Quick & Convenient: Most sessions take only 15-20 minutes, with no downtime required.

Other Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

While ESWT is a top-tier solution, here are some additional treatments that may help alleviate pain from Morton’s Neuroma:

  1. Custom Orthotics
    Custom-designed foot inserts can help correct abnormal foot mechanics, relieve pressure on the affected nerve, and reduce pain in the ball of the foot.
  2. Neuroma Pads (Metatarsal Pads)
    These pads help lift and spread the metatarsals, reducing direct pressure on the irritated nerve.
  3. Corticosteroid Injections
    These injections help reduce inflammation and can provide temporary pain relief.
  4. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
    A minimally invasive procedure that uses heat from radio waves to target and disable the affected nerve, reducing pain and inflammation.
  5. Physical Therapy
    Targeted exercises can help improve foot mechanics and strengthen the muscles around the affected area.
  6. Footwear Adjustments
    Proper footwear is crucial in preventing and treating Morton’s Neuroma. Shoes with a wide toe box and good arch support can alleviate pressure.
  7. Surgical Options
    If non-invasive treatments don’t provide relief, surgery to remove the neuroma or relieve the pressure on the nerve may be necessary.

The Importance of Early Treatment

While neuromas can grow large, they can eventually fibrose and scar, leading to longer-term pain that may require more invasive treatment options. The earlier you address Morton’s Neuroma, the better your chances of avoiding surgery and long-term discomfort.

When to See a Podiatrist in Seattle

If you’re experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot or have noticed symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma, it’s important to seek professional care. At The Wellness Firm, Dr. Alexis specializes in diagnosing and treating Morton’s Neuroma and other foot conditions.

Why Early Treatment Matters

While neuromas can grow large, they can eventually fibrose and scar, leading to chronic pain that may require more invasive interventions. The earlier you address the issue, the better your chances of avoiding long-term complications. If you’re experiencing persistent pain in the ball of your foot, don’t wait—early intervention can save you from a more complex and painful journey.

Find Relief with Expert Care

Your feet carry you through life—don’t let Morton’s Neuroma slow you down. Whether you need ESWT, neuroma pads, or expert guidance on the right footwear, The Wellness Firm is here to help. Take control of your foot health today and step into a future free from pain.

📞 Call The Wellness Firm at 206-707-9112 or contact us here to schedule your consultation today.