What is Morton's Neuroma?
A neuroma is a painful growth of nerve tissue in the foot, most commonly found between the third and fourth OR second and third metatarsal heads (the ball of the foot near the corresponding toes). It forms when the metatarsals press together and irritate the nerve providing the sensation to the adjacent toes. You may feel like your walking on a pebble or you may experience radiating, tingling sensations shooting into your toes. This condition occurs in response to irritation, pressure or injury to one of these nerves that may result from tight or poor-fitting shoe gear (high heels), high-impact activities, and/or foot deformities. As a neuroma worsens, it can become very painful and interfere with your daily activities.
What are the symptoms of Morton's Neuroma? 
A painful lump or sensation of numbness is found under the ball of the foot between the third and fourth OR second and third metatarsal heads. Some patients will complain of tingling or numbness between the toes and in the ball of the foot. Other patients may experience sharp burning pains going up into the foot especially when walking. Sometimes patients also describe the sensation of having a pebble in their shoe or that their sock is wrinkled. Fortunately, there are many treatments that provide relief.
How are Morton's Neuromas treated conservatively?
Wider shoe gear. Shoes with good support, a wide toe box, and thick soles can help prevent nerve irritation.
Custom molded orthotics with neuroma specific padding can help correct abnormal foot function providing extra support for your feet.
Corticosteroid injections
Padding and Taping may help decrease pressure on the nerve.
Physical therapy such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and hydrotherapy.
Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce swelling.
What are the surgical options for Morton's Neuroma?
Surgical excision of the neuroma also known as Neurectomy, involves excising the involved nerve tissue. A neurectomy should be the absolute last resort for treatment, as removing the nerve has a poor prognosis (favorable outcome). Removing the nerve has a 20% risk that nerve may grow back and form a Morton’s stump neuroma which can become even more painful than the original symptoms.
Instead of surgically excising the nerve, at Gotham Footcare we specialize in a highly effective, alternative treatment option, known as Cryosurgery, a minimally invasive office-based procedure that requires no stitches and only takes 15 minutes to perform.
Cryosurgery cyclically freezes the neuroma to degenerate the nerve tissue that carries painful impulses to the brain by reducing the conductivity and excitability of that affected nerve.
This prevents future irritation and inflammation of the nerve – it stops the pain of Morton’s neuroma and allows you to return to your preoperative activities free of pain.
What are the advantages to Cryosurgery?
In-office procedure
Minimally invasive (Tiny incision/ No stitches required)
Minimal discomfort
High procedure success rate
No stump neuroma formation
Low incidence of complications or adverse effects
Long term pain relief
Bypass prolonged use of pain medications
Cost effective and covered by most insurance companies
Minimal to no downtime from work or activity
Quick return to everyday shoe gear
Treatment may be repeated
