Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma: Nerve Entrapment Treatment & Relief
Morton’s neuroma is a painful foot condition arising from irritation, thickening, or entrapment of the nerve tissue typically between the third and fourth metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot). Patients in Pinellas Park, Florida and beyond often report burning, tingling, or feeling as though a pebble is inside their shoe. At Dr. Michele Selsor’s clinic, we offer a full continuum of evaluation and treatment to relieve nerve pain and restore function.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma
The nerve between toes becomes compressed or inflamed, often leading to symptoms such as burning pain, numbness, tingling, or a sharp sensation in the ball of the foot.
Tight or narrow shoes, excessive forefoot pressure, high-impact activities, and foot misalignment can aggravate the condition.
Over time, the nerve can develop fibrotic changes, making symptoms more persistent.
Diagnostic Process
History & symptom map
- Onset, duration, aggravating footwear, activity patterns.
- Symptom localization, radiation, and relief factors.
Physical examination
- Mulder’s click test (compressing metatarsals to elicit click or pain).
- Palpation, sensory testing, and gait analysis.
Imaging / specialized studies
- Weight-bearing X-rays to rule out stress fractures, bone alignment issues.
- Ultrasound or MRI for soft tissue and nerve visualization.
- High-resolution imaging helps localize nerve swelling or adjacent changes.
Treatment Strategies
Conservative management
1
- Footwear changes: wide toe box, low heels, cushioning.
- Custom metatarsal pads, orthotics designed to offload pressure.
- Activity modification (reduce high-impact loading).
- NSAIDs or topical therapies for inflammation.
- Steroid injections or nerve blocks under imaging guidance.
Minimally invasive procedures
2
- Perineural injections (corticosteroid, anesthetic).
- Sclerosing agents or alcohol injections (in some cases).
- Ultrasound-based guidance to maximize precision.
Surgical intervention
3
- Reserved for cases refractory to conservative therapy.
- Neurectomy: excision of the affected nerve segment.
- Decompression: release of surrounding tissues to relieve nerve pressure.
- The procedure is planned carefully to minimize postoperative complications.
Rehab & follow-up
4
- Gradual return to walking and activity.
- Custom orthotics to maintain pressure relief.
- Monitoring for recurrence or adjacent nerve irritation.
Local Relevance & Patient Considerations
- Many patients in the Tampa Bay / Pinellas region wear narrowtoe or fashion-forward shoes, exacerbating nerve compression.
- Warm, humid weather may contribute to swelling, further compressing nerves.
- Our practice serves patients across Pinellas County and nearby communities — we understand the footwear and activity demands of the region.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent permanent nerve damage.
If burning or sharp pain in your forefoot is interfering with your steps, don’t wait. Contact us to schedule a neuroma evaluation and begin your path to relief.