At DOCS Health in Los Angeles, our board-certified orthopedic specialists provide advanced care for Morton’s neuroma, a painful condition affecting the ball of the foot. Using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans, we help patients find lasting relief and prevent recurrence.

Morton’s neuroma occurs when the tissue surrounding one of the nerves between the toes thickens, causing pain, burning, or tingling. Although it is not a true tumor, the thickening can compress the nerve and cause significant discomfort, especially during walking or standing. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time, limiting mobility and quality of life.

Understanding Morton’s Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma most often develops between the third and fourth toes, although it can occur between other toes. It is more common in women, likely due to footwear choices, but can affect anyone with biomechanical foot issues or repetitive forefoot stress.

The condition typically results from irritation or compression of the nerve caused by:

• Wearing tight or narrow shoes that squeeze the toes
• High-impact sports such as running, basketball, or tennis
• Foot structure variations, such as flat feet or high arches
• Occupational demands that require prolonged standing or walking
• Other forefoot conditions, including bunions or hammertoes, that alter weight distribution

Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma

Patients in Los Angeles with Morton’s neuroma often describe symptoms such as:

• Sharp, burning pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes
• Tingling or numbness in the affected toes
• A feeling like there is a pebble or fold in the sock under the foot
• Pain that worsens with tight shoes or high heels and improves when barefoot
• Discomfort during walking, standing, or exercise

Symptoms may start gradually and worsen over weeks or months if untreated.

Why Prompt Diagnosis Is Important

Left untreated, Morton’s neuroma can cause permanent nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain even after activity is stopped. At DOCS Health in Los Angeles, we use a thorough diagnostic process to confirm the condition and rule out other causes of forefoot pain, such as stress fractures or plantar plate injuries.

Our diagnostic approach includes:

• Comprehensive history and symptom review to understand triggers and patterns
• Physical examination including palpation of the forefoot to reproduce symptoms
• Specialized tests such as the Mulder’s click test to detect nerve thickening
• Advanced imaging (ultrasound or MRI) for confirmation and assessment of severity

Treatment Options for Morton’s Neuroma

Our orthopedic specialists create personalized treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms, the patient’s lifestyle, and the underlying causes.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many patients improve with conservative care, which may include:

• Footwear modifications – Wearing wider shoes with low heels to reduce nerve compression
• Custom orthotics – Distributing weight evenly across the foot and reducing pressure on the neuroma
• Padding – Placing metatarsal pads in shoes to offload pressure from the affected nerve
• Activity modification – Temporarily avoiding high-impact activities that aggravate symptoms
• Anti-inflammatory medication – Reducing pain and swelling
• Corticosteroid injections – Providing targeted relief for persistent symptoms
• PRP or regenerative medicine options – In selected cases to reduce inflammation and promote healing

Surgical Treatments

When conservative care does not provide lasting relief, surgery may be considered. Our Los Angeles orthopedic surgeons offer:

• Neurectomy – Removing the thickened nerve tissue
• Decompression surgery – Releasing surrounding structures to reduce nerve pressure

We use minimally invasive surgical techniques whenever possible to promote faster healing and minimize downtime.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery varies based on treatment type:

• Non-surgical treatment – Many patients experience significant improvement within weeks to months
• Surgical recovery – Most patients walk in a protective shoe shortly after surgery, with full return to activities in four to six weeks

Our Los Angeles rehabilitation programs include progressive strengthening, flexibility training, and gait correction to prevent recurrence.

Preventing Morton’s Neuroma

Preventive strategies help protect against recurrence and include:

• Wearing properly fitted shoes with adequate toe room
• Avoiding prolonged use of high heels or narrow shoes
• Using orthotics if recommended to correct foot mechanics
• Incorporating foot strengthening and stretching exercises into your routine
• Addressing related foot conditions early to avoid compensatory stress on the forefoot

Why Los Angeles Chooses DOCS Health for Neuroma Care

Patients trust DOCS Health because we provide:

• Specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating complex forefoot conditions
• Comprehensive care from conservative management to advanced surgical intervention
• State-of-the-art diagnostic tools for accurate evaluation
• Personalized rehabilitation programs to support long-term foot health
• A patient-first approach that tailors every plan to individual needs and goals

FAQ – Morton’s Neuroma in Los Angeles

How do I know if I have Morton’s neuroma?

Common signs include burning pain in the ball of the foot, tingling in the toes, and the sensation of walking on a small object. A specialist can confirm the diagnosis through examination and imaging.

Can Morton’s neuroma go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve with rest, footwear changes, and orthotics, but many require targeted treatment to prevent worsening.

Is surgery the only permanent solution for Morton’s neuroma?

Not always. Many patients experience long-term relief with non-surgical treatments, but surgery may be necessary if symptoms persist.

How long does it take to recover from Morton’s neuroma surgery?

Most patients return to daily activities within a few weeks, though high-impact sports may require additional recovery time.

Are women more likely to get Morton’s neuroma?

Yes, women are at higher risk, likely due to the frequent use of narrow or high-heeled shoes that compress the forefoot.

Schedule Your Los Angeles Foot Evaluation

If you have persistent pain in the ball of your foot or tingling in your toes, early treatment can prevent further nerve damage. Contact DOCS Health in Los Angeles to schedule your foot and ankle evaluation today.