Title: Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia | Heel That Pain
Headings: Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia
Morton’s Neuroma vs. Metatarsalgia
Common Causes and Symptoms of Metatarsalgia
Common Causes and Symptoms of Morton’s Neuroma
Morton’s Neuroma Vs. Metatarsalgia
Treating Pain in the Ball of the Foot

Content: In contrast, the pain from Metatarsalgia will generally be felt across the entire ball of the foot, where the toes meet the foot. Morton’s Neuroma often presents as numbness and tingling before becoming worse and developing into pain, while Metatarsalgia more often begins as a dull pain that develops into sharper pain
In Morton’s Neuroma, you may be able to feel a pronounced mass between the third and fourth toes
Treating Pain in the Ball of the Foot
Whether you’re experiencing Metatarsalgia or Morton’s Neuroma, it’s important to work with your physician to determine the root cause before you begin a course of treatment, since both of these conditions have numerous root causes. Determining the cause while also addressing acute pain and symptoms will help you find both immediate and lasting healing and relief. Your doctor will look and your health history, lifestyle, and habits to determine the root cause of the pain in the ball of your foot. He or she will also examine your feet and may recommend x-rays to rule out other possible complications or conditions. Once you and your doctor have determined the cause of your pain and identified the condition you’re dealing with, the course of treatment you follow will depend a great deal on severity of symptoms. In some severe cases, Morton’s Neuroma may require steroid injections or decompression surgery to relieve pressure on the nerves in the feet and remove the affected tissue. However, for mild symptoms of both Metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma, there are numerous at-home treatments that can help significantly, including stretches and foot exercises to strengthen the muscles in your feet and Achilles tendon to reduce the amount of pressure on the ball of your foot, orthotic inserts that raise your arch and reduce pressure on the ball of your foot, icing regularly, eliminating unsupportive and damaging footwear from your wardrobe, and NSAIDs like ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Most cases of Metatarsalgia and Morton’s Neuroma can be successfully resolved with conservative treatments–especially if symptoms are addressed early and consistently. If you’re experiencing pain or numbness in the ball of your foot, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse!