Foot pain in the ball of your foot can make every step feel heavier than it should. Whether it’s a sharp, burning sensation between your toes or a dull ache that worsens after standing, the culprit is often one of two conditions: Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalgia.
The good news is that not every case needs surgery. At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, Indiana, Dr. Minhas and his team specialize in non-surgical treatments that target nerve and tissue pain effectively; helping you walk, run, and move with confidence again.
Understanding Morton’s Neuroma and Metatarsalgia
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma occurs when a nerve between the toes; most often between the third and fourth toes; becomes thickened or irritated. This leads to burning pain, numbness, or tingling in the forefoot, especially while walking or wearing tight shoes.
It’s often caused by repetitive stress, high heels, or footwear that compresses the forefoot. Over time, inflammation builds up around the nerve, producing that familiar “pebble in the shoe” feeling.
What Is Metatarsalgia?
Metatarsalgia refers to inflammation and pain under the metatarsal bones; the long bones that run through the ball of your foot. It’s not a single condition but a symptom of overuse or imbalance in pressure across the forefoot.
Common triggers include:
- Excessive running or jumping
- Tight or unsupportive shoes
- Bunions or hammertoes altering foot alignment
- Weight gain or prolonged standing
Both conditions cause pain in the same region, but their underlying causes differ; and so do their treatments.
Why Non-Surgical Treatment Matters
Surgery is rarely the first choice for foot pain, and most people respond well to conservative care. Non-surgical treatments are designed to:
- Relieve pressure from inflamed nerves or tissues
- Restore balance in the forefoot
- Prevent long-term complications
Patients often prefer these options because they:
- Require little to no downtime
- Avoid surgical risks
- Offer natural pain relief
- Are easily combined with lifestyle adjustments
Early diagnosis and treatment at Sole Foot and Ankle Valparaiso can stop mild nerve irritation from progressing into a chronic condition that might otherwise need surgery.
Injection Therapy for Foot Pain Relief
When rest, ice, and shoe changes aren’t enough, targeted injections can help calm inflammation and provide relief.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are one of the most effective first-line treatments for Morton’s neuroma and metatarsalgia. They reduce swelling and inflammation around the irritated nerve or soft tissue, often giving weeks or months of relief.
Dr. Minhas performs these injections with precision, using imaging guidance when needed to ensure the medication reaches the exact site of discomfort.
Alcohol or Sclerosing Injections
These injections work by gradually desensitizing the painful nerve. A low-concentration alcohol solution is injected into the affected area, reducing nerve irritation over a series of sessions.
It’s a safe, minimally invasive method that can help avoid surgery for patients with persistent Morton’s neuroma pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Biologic Injections
PRP therapy uses a patient’s own blood to concentrate platelets, which are rich in natural healing factors. When injected into the painful area, PRP helps repair soft tissue damage, reduces inflammation, and promotes regeneration; a particularly good option for chronic metatarsalgia that hasn’t responded to traditional therapy.
Cryosurgery – A Minimally Invasive Alternative
Cryosurgery is an advanced, non-surgical option that freezes the small, inflamed nerve tissue causing pain in Morton’s neuroma. Using a tiny probe, the nerve is cooled to a temperature that disrupts pain signals without harming surrounding tissue.
Benefits of cryosurgery include:
- Performed in-office under local anesthesia
- Minimal incision and quick recovery
- Long-term relief for chronic nerve pain
- Minimal scarring and reduced postoperative discomfort
This procedure has become one of the most promising non-surgical treatments for Morton’s neuroma, helping patients return to normal activities within days.
Custom Padding and Orthotics for Lasting Relief
Biomechanical issues often contribute to both metatarsalgia and Morton’s neuroma. The right custom orthotic or metatarsal padding can dramatically reduce pressure under the ball of the foot and relieve nerve irritation.
At Sole Foot and Ankle Valparaiso, we use digital scanning to design orthotics that match your unique foot shape and walking pattern.
How Custom Orthotics Help
- Redistribute weight evenly across the foot
- Cushion the forefoot to reduce nerve compression
- Correct gait abnormalities that worsen pressure
- Provide long-term comfort during walking or sports
Metatarsal pads are another simple yet effective solution. They sit just behind the ball of the foot, slightly lifting and spreading the metatarsal heads to reduce friction on the irritated nerve.
When to See a Foot Doctor
You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist in Valparaiso if you experience:
- Burning or tingling between your toes
- Sharp pain in the ball of your foot while walking
- Numbness or swelling that doesn’t improve with rest
- Pain that worsens when wearing certain shoes
- Persistent discomfort even after changing footwear
Ignoring the early signs of Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalgia can lead to long-term nerve damage and chronic pain.
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle Valparaiso
At Sole Foot and Ankle, Dr. Minhas and his team are dedicated to providing patient-centered, non-surgical foot care. From injection therapy and cryosurgery to custom orthotics, every treatment plan is tailored to restore comfort, mobility, and confidence in every step.
If you’re struggling with persistent pain in the ball of your foot, we’re here to help you move forward; pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long do injection treatments last?
Relief can last from several weeks to months depending on the severity of inflammation. Some patients require follow-up injections for lasting improvement.
Q: Can orthotics completely eliminate forefoot pain?
Custom orthotics significantly reduce pain and prevent recurrence, especially when paired with proper footwear and activity modification.
Q: Is cryosurgery painful?
No. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and most patients feel only mild pressure or cold sensation during the treatment.
Q: When is surgery necessary?
If nerve pain persists despite non-surgical treatments like injections, orthotics, or cryotherapy, surgery may be considered to remove the affected nerve segment.
Call to Action
If you’re tired of living with forefoot pain or struggling with Morton’s neuroma or metatarsalgia, visit Sole Foot and Ankle Valparaiso.
Our team offers advanced non-surgical treatments, including injections, cryosurgery, and custom orthotics, to get you back on your feet; comfortably.
Call today or book your appointment online to start your recovery with Dr. Minhas, your trusted podiatrist in Valparaiso, Indiana.
