Trust Our Long Island Foot Doctors to Treat Your Morton's Neuroma Pain With Innovative Shockwave Therapy
Every morning, you enjoy peaceful walks through the Massapequa Preserve. But lately, it feels like you're walking on a sharp pebble. You check your shoe but don’t find anything. This mysterious, persistent pain is more than just an annoyance—it could be a sign of Morton's neuroma, an abnormal thickening of tissue.
At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, our board-certified Long Island foot pain specialists understand that Morton's neuroma may not be a well-known condition, but for people who suffer from it, the impact is all too real. The good news? With state-of-the-art treatments such as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), we can help you find relief more quickly and return to your active lifestyle.
Difference Between a Neuroma and Morton's Neuroma
A neuroma is a general term for a non-cancerous growth of nerve cells or fibers. It can occur in various parts of the body where nerve damage or irritation has occurred—usually because of compression or chronic irritation. Neuromas can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations in the affected area.
Morton's neuroma, also known as intermetatarsal neuroma, specifically develops in your foot, typically between the third and fourth metatarsal bones, affecting the common plantar digital nerve. It happens when the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes thickens. Many people describe the sensation as feeling like something is stuck in their shoe. The pain can be sharp, burning, or tingling, and it often worsens with activity or when wearing tight shoes.
There’s not one particular cause for Morton’s neuroma, but the American Podiatric Medical Association suggests it might develop due to:
- Biomechanical deformities, such as a flat foot or a high arch. These issues often create instability around the toe joints, which shifts pressure distribution.
- Injury trauma that results in nerve damage, swelling, and inflammation.
- Footwear that squeezes toes together and increases pressure in the forefoot.
- Repeated stress, common to many occupations that require a lot of standing or walking on hard surfaces.
So while all Morton's neuromas are neuromas, not all neuromas are Morton's neuromas. The distinction lies primarily in the specific location in and characteristics of the foot. It’s more common in women, particularly those who frequently wear high heels or tight shoes. However, it can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Living With Morton's Neuroma
When patients first come to see us, they often report feeling frustrated and limited in their daily activities by this condition—taking a walk, working in the yard, or even doing what’s necessary for their jobs become painful ordeals. You may have even started avoiding social events or skipping exercise routines due to foot discomfort. This can lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, potentially impacting your overall health and well-being.
Additionally, untreated neuromas can cause more complications:
- If you favor one foot over the other in an attempt to avoid pain, this abnormal walking pattern shifts your gait and may result in knee, hip, and back pain.
- There’s also the threat of permanent nerve damage if you wait too long for professional care, which means you’ll have constant tingling or numbness in your foot.
This is a progressive condition, which means the earlier you take action, the better your odds are of achieving satisfying results through simple solutions. At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, we start with a holistic approach to Morton’s neuroma treatment, considering how it affects all aspects of your life. Conventional remedies such as changing your shoes, following the RICE protocol, and custom orthotics can be effective for some people, but they may not provide long-term relief for others. To truly heal the aggravated tissue, that’s when we might suggest extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).
Understanding Shockwave Therapy
ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in the affected area. We apply high-energy acoustic pressure waves to the site of an injury or soft tissue damage. As a form of accelerated regenerative medicine, these waves help reduce pain, promote blood circulation, and stimulate the body's natural healing processes. Participants in multiple studies reported decreased pain after ESWT.
Although referred to as “shockwave” therapy, no electrical current passes through the body during this process—only acoustic waves. The term “extracorporeal” means the treatment happens outside the body. In other words, we don’t insert needles, make any incisions, or place any objects inside your foot. There’s also no need for medication.
How Shockwave Therapy Works for Morton's Neuroma
Our goal is to recommend ESWT to address the root cause of your problem rather than just masking the symptoms. Here's how it works:
- Pain reduction. The shockwaves can help desensitize nerve endings, reducing the consistent irritation associated with Morton's neuroma.
- Improved blood flow. The therapy stimulates blood circulation in the affected area, allowing your immune system to naturally reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Tissue regeneration. Shockwave therapy may encourage the growth of new blood vessels and stimulate collagen production, potentially helping to repair the damaged area between your toes.
- Breaking down scar tissue. In some cases, ESWT can help reduce the thickened tissue that may be contributing to your pain and discomfort.
Many of our patients report long-lasting pain relief after completing their treatment course.
What to Expect During Shockwave Therapy Treatment
If you're tired of dealing with pain from a suspected Morton's neuroma and think ESWT might be a good option, here’s what you can expect at our Long Island podiatry clinic.
- Initial consultation. We conduct a thorough examination to assess your condition and determine if you're a good candidate for the therapy.
- Treatment sessions. Most patients require 3–5 visits, spaced about a week apart. Each session lasts about 10–15 minutes.
- During the procedure. You'll lie comfortably while a member of our team applies a gel to your foot and transmits the shockwaves with a handheld device. We may direct treatment to all parts of your foot to release tissue restriction.
- Sensation. You may feel a tapping sensation and some discomfort during the treatment, but most people tolerate it well.
- Post-treatment. You can typically return to your normal activities immediately after each session.
However, it’s important to note that depending on the location of the treatment and other circumstances, we might recommend you keep your foot rested and elevated for the remainder of the day. You might also need someone to drive you home. We’ll inform you of everything you will need to know to prepare for before and after a session.
While some patients experience immediate relief, it’s more common for you to feel the full effects after several weeks following your treatment course.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
While ESWT demonstrates promising results for many patients with Morton's neuroma, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Factors such as the severity of your condition, overall health, and previous treatments can all influence whether this therapy is right for you. During your initial consult, we’ll ask for a thorough medical history. Possible concerns include:
- Whether you’re pregnant
- If you take anticoagulants or steroids
- Issues such as heart condition, neuropathy, or seizures
- If you have a pacemaker
- The presence of open sores, skin abrasions, or non-neuroma growths in the affected area
At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, we believe in a personalized approach to foot care. We always take the time to listen to you and work together to develop a comprehensive treatment plan so your relief lasts years instead of weeks.
Remember: foot pain is never normal, and it simply won’t go away. Don't let it hold you back any longer. Contact us today to learn more about shockwave therapy and whether it’s the best approach for you. It’s just one of many innovative advanced treatments we provide to restore full form and function to your feet.