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When it comes to how to cure Morton’s Neuroma at home naturally, I will be careful not to make lofty claims because I am not a Doctor.
The aim of this website is to only offer helpful tips from my own experience with Morton’s Neuroma.
So, please understand that the word “Cure” will be used loosely to refer to the state of living comfortably with Morton’s Neuroma as I do. That means I have taken steps to minimize my MN pain without any medical intervention whatsoever.
What Is Morton’s Neuroma?
This condition is also known as Intermetatarsal Neuroma, Interdigital Neuroma, Interdigital Neuritis, Plantar Neuroma Etc. Morton’s Neuroma is the thickening of the tissue around the nerve between the 3rd and 4th toes which causes inflammation of the nerve.
It is a foot condition that occurs as a result of injury to digital nerves between the toes, causing them to swell up.
The swelling may not be readily seen with the naked eye. While the most common location for the neuroma is between the 3rd and 4th toes, other people get the neuroma between their 2nd and 3rd toes.
What Causes Morton’s Neuroma?
There are many causes of these conditions but the most common one is the pressure applied to the toes by wearing tight-fitting shoes. For women, wearing tight high heels does not help. I got my neuroma from wearing tight heels and walking in them for years without realizing the damage I was causing to my feet. By the time I stopped wearing those, it was too late.
Some people get Morton’s Neuroma in one foot while others get it on both feet (ouch!).
Symptoms Of Morton’s Neuroma
“If you’ve ever had the feeling of walking around with a rock in your shoe, then might understand the first symptoms of Morton’s neuroma. Often, this condition causes you to feel as if a rock is stuck in your shoe, or something is poking you in the ball of the foot…” Dr. Janet Pearl M.D.
- Wearing closed shoes feels uncomfortable (You feel like removing your shoes and massaging your foot…it helps by the way).
- Pebble – in – shoe or bunched up sock kind of feeling (Sometimes you are not even wearing socks –remove your shoe only to find no pebble in the shoe!)
- Sharp burning – to – almost disabling pain (I remember my first sharp pain very well in my golden pumps…)
- Constant unexplained toe cramps especially after physical activity
- Numbness or tingling sensation
Why I Believe In The Natural Morton’s Neuroma Treatment Techniques
If you really want to get rid of your neuroma pain but unwilling to undergo invasive medical treatments, I am with you. A lot of people are not comfortable with invasive treatments for Morton’s Neuroma. Examples of invasive treatments include surgeries to remove the inflamed nerve (neuroma).
The only problem with Morton’s Neuroma Surgery is that it can have unpleasant side effects such as:
- Severe pain
- Swelling
- Possible infection
- Long healing process
- Neuroma stump
- Ugly scars
Despite all these, remember there are other less-invasive Morton’s Neuroma treatments like Ultrasound Guided Injections.
Well if you hate all those and you just prefer to go the natural way, I do understand. So let’s get on with how you can treat Morton’s neuroma naturally. As I already said, these methods aren’t necessarily “The Cure” that will make your neuroma go away for good. Rather, relief for Morton’s Neuroma pain.
Therefore, if you follow these steps and if your neuroma is not severe, you may be able to get rid of the neuroma pain for a long time until you change something (start wearing squeezing shoes again…) and then your pain will be back!
But if you stay committed to taking care of your feet, the pain will most likely stay away for good.
So,
Here is a list of steps you can follow as a way of treating your Morton’s Neuroma naturally.
1. Wear Correct /Comfortable Shoes
Wearing the right shoe type is probably the best and most important thing you need to do. You will get immediate relief. Not a cure in the true sense of the word but long lasting Mortons Neuroma pain relief.
2. Rest
Avoid prolonged activities that put weight or pressure on your feet. These include weight-bearing exercises, standing for a long time, too much walking on non-cushioned shoes.
You cannot completely avoid performing your daily activities. Just please, ensure that you do everything in moderation. Always take time to put your feet up, literally. Foot elevation will relax your feet after a long day.
3.Use Orthotics – Arch Support Orthotics, Toe Separators
Arch Support
Arch support orthotics are special foot cushions that are placed inside shoes to help to support the arch and relief pressure from the ball of the foot. Consistent use of these will cure your Mortons Neuroma.
These orthotics can either be in the form of full-length or half-foot inserts. There are is also small removable and non-removable inserts called Metatarsal Pads.
Because there are different types of Orthotics for Morton’s neuroma relief, you need to consult with your foot doctor to decide which ones will work best for you.
Toe Separators
Toe separators work progressively to align, restore and strengthen your toes over time. They work in the same manner as tooth braces. Meaning that you will have to be consistent in wearing them on a daily basis.
Please note that before you get used to wearing your toe separators they will feel a little uncomfortable or painful, almost unbearable to wear sometimes.
That is why a lot of people decide to abandon their toe separators after a short time, never to wear them again! The truth is that your feet will eventually get used and the discomfort will go away. And you will feel cured of Morton’s Neuroma.
4.Take Over The Counter Pain Medications
Any anti-inflammatory pain medication. when used with caution will contribute significantly to the feeling of being cured of Morton’s neuroma.
I suggest that you only take painkiller medicine when it is absolutely necessary and for a limited period of time, not continuously because that can really be dangerous (Addiction). Remember to always consult with your doctor in case you have any doubts or questions.
5. Massage
Here I refer to self-massage. It works all the time. Whenever you feel pain, gently massage the affected area with your fingertips. For example, I have Morton’s Neuroma on my left foot between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. This is where I usually massage.
For me, this is the first thing I do and I massage my foot daily. Sometimes I fear to touch it when its not paining. But there’s always that little urge to touch it. In the beginning, when the neuroma pain is just starting it is often hard to pinpoint the exact location of the pain.
If you haven’t had a thorough diagnosis by the doctor. Your pain will present as a general localized ball of foot pain. In this case, you can massage the whole area. It will help ease the pain.
But once you literally put your finger on it, you will feel it and know that’s what’s been paining you! I remember how my second born daughter discovered my spot for me and she would patiently massage my foot. I always wanted her to keep going. It felt like “sweet pain”, if that even make sense!
You don’t need to do anything elaborate or pay a trained massage specialist. This simple technique, though only temporary, works wonders.
And you can do it yourself like this:
- Locate your neuroma spot between the toes
- Hold it between your index finger and thumb and press gently, repeatedly.
- You can even move your fingers back and forth along the length of your neuroma
The pain goes instantly.
But if you can afford …a professional foot massage also helps ease the overall pressure off your feet. Please give your feet a treat once in a while and get a masseuse or even a foot spa treatment.
6. Icing The Affected Area
This is another temporary relief to Morton’s neuroma pain. when you feel the pain, simply place an ice pack on the affected area for a few minutes. The throbbing pain will surely come down.
For the ice pack, I usually put 5-10 ice cubes in a plastic bag (preferably a freezer bag to avoid leaking). I then place the Ice pack on the painful foot, removing it occasionally to avoid freezing my foot to death.
7. Hot Water Foot Bath And Menthol / Salt Rubs
This one is my absolute favourite. After a long day on my feet (my job requires some walking sometimes), I usually dip them in a hot water bath and just relax for 10 minutes or more. And then I rub my feet with a menthol pain ointment. The cooling effect is very relaxing.
On other days instead of a menthol rub I do a salt rub/scrub. After dipping my feet in hot water, I get a handful of simple table salt and rub on the wet foot, one at a time. I do that for maybe 5 minutes per foot, focusing on the base only. Then I rinse well with warm water. The feeling is amazing!
I haven’t tried Epsom or Himalayan salts…I think I should!
8. Stretch And Exercise
These should be simple zero impact exercises to avoid stressing your feet even more.
I have found out that stretching the calf muscle and the plantar muscles really helps reduce my Mortons Neuroma pain over time.
These are simple exercises you can do:
To stretch your calf muscles: gently stand on tiptoes for a few seconds and keep repeating. You may need to have some form of support like the wall. If you feel comfortable, walk on tiptoes across the room. Make sure you walk on a soft padded surface like a rug, yoga mat, etc. Avoid the hard surfaces.
To stretch your plantar fascia muscles: on a seated position, take the ball of your foot and pull gently towards your shin. Release and repeat a few times.
Alternatively, you can simply stretch your toes with your hands in a comfortable sitting position as in the picture…
9.Body Weight Management
When you are overweight, you are more likely to get frequent pain from your neuroma because the weight exerts more pressure on your feet.
Some people I interacted with, say that shedding some extra pounds really helped them. As you try to maintain healthy body weight through exercise, take great care and don’t do routines that may further hurt your feet. These include running on hard surfaces and jumping.
Read How To Lose 201b And More With My Simple Tips
Things To Avoid With Morton’s Neuroma
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting footwear. In fact, throw out all of your cute (or handsome in the case of men) sharp-nosed or toe crowding shoes.
- Don’t overexert your feet doing rigorous activities like running, long-distance walking prolonged standing.
- Avoid exercise routines that put too much stress on your feet like:
- Jumping jacks
- Step aerobics
- Jump rope
Instead perform low impact exercises such as stationary bike riding, moderate weight lifting, swimming, yoga, pilates, and any other low impact routines.
Remember to seek proper advice from your doctor before engaging in physical exercises. They will advise you better on which exercises are most suitable for you depending on your level of pain and condition of your neuroma(s).
Living with Morton’s Neuroma can be stressful when it comes to exercise. The thought of not being able to do some of the things you used to do is truly painful. However, you need not despair because it is not the end of your physical activity. There are alternative exercises you can still do.
Granted things will not be 100 % perfect but you can still stay fit. I try what I can do within my level of pain tolerance. I know sometimes I tend to get carried away and do impact exercises. My foot gets so painful and I regret. It is not an easy life. But I keep going hoping that someday my pain will finally disappear.
Conclusion
My final advice to you is please don’t push your feet beyond the limits. Do what you can without causing yourself pain. I believe strongly that it will only exacerbate your Neuroma and probably cause you more complications. I know I have pushed myself too hard. I have had to suffer serious foot pain as a result.
However, since with hard learning experiences I have learned not to push myself and be gentle with my body. That has helped my Morton’s Neuroma greatly.
I cannot remember the last time I had throbbing hot uncomfortable pain!
I hope you liked this post. Please feel free to share more natural ways we can treat Morton’s Neuroma that I may have excluded. I will highly appreciate it.
Enjoy a pain free life!
Remember this post is based on my personal experiences as a non-medical person and does not substitute expert medical advice. Seek professional medical care.