Ball-of-Foot Pain · Houston, TX
Morton's Neuroma Treatment in Houston, TX
Medically reviewed by Douglas Hansen, DPM, board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Burning pain in the ball of your foot? Numb or tingling toes? It may be a neuroma. We find the cause and start with the gentlest treatment that works.
3rd & 4th toes
Where a neuroma most often forms
Non-surgical first
We start with the gentlest care that works
Near Memorial City
915 Gessner Rd, Suite 650
What Is Morton's Neuroma?
Morton's neuroma is a painful thickening of a nerve in the ball of the foot. It most often affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. The nerve gets irritated and swollen, so every step can press on it.
MedlinePlus, from the U.S. National Library of Medicine, describes it as an injury to the nerve between the toes that causes thickening and pain. It is more common in women than in men.
At Valhalla Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Douglas Hansen sees patients from across Houston at our clinic at 915 Gessner Rd, near Memorial City.
Common Symptoms of a Neuroma
The pain often eases when you take your shoe off and rub your foot. It can come and go at first. Over time, it may get worse and last longer.
Sharp, shooting or burning pain in the ball of the foot
Numbness or tingling between the toes
Toe cramping
Pain that gets worse in tight shoes or high heels
A feeling like a pebble or a bunched-up sock under the foot
Sound familiar?
Book a neuroma evaluation →
What Causes It?
The exact cause is not known. Pressure and irritation of the nerve seem to play a big part. Things that can add to it include:
- ✓Tight shoes, pointed toe boxes and high heels
- ✓Other forefoot problems, such as bunions and hammer toes
- ✓Flat feet or very high arches
- ✓Abnormal toe position
Knowing what is pressing on the nerve helps us choose the right treatment, so the pain does not keep coming back.
How We Diagnose a Neuroma
Careful foot exam
Most neuromas can be found with a careful foot exam. Squeezing the front of the foot often brings on the familiar pain.
Shoes, gait and foot shape
We also look at your shoes, your gait and the shape of your foot.
Imaging when needed
An X-ray can rule out bone problems. When the exam is not clear, an ultrasound or MRI can confirm a neuroma.
Other conditions can feel similar, so getting the diagnosis right comes first.
Treatment Options for Morton's Neuroma
We start with non-surgical care. Many patients feel better with simple changes, especially when they come in early.
Shoe changes and padding
Shoes with a wide toe box and a low heel take pressure off the nerve. Pads and taping can spread the load away from the sore spot.
Custom orthotics
Custom orthotics made from a 3D scan of your foot support the arch and ease pressure on the ball of the foot.
Medicine and injections
Anti-inflammatory medicine can calm the nerve for a short time. Injections may also be an option. These are not meant for long-term use, and Dr. Hansen will talk you through the pros and cons.
Physical therapy
Stretching and strengthening can improve how your foot moves and carries weight.
Surgery
If pain continues after a fair trial of these treatments, surgery to remove the thickened nerve tissue may be the next step. MedlinePlus notes that this surgery succeeds in most cases. It also leaves a small area of permanent numbness between the toes. Learn more about foot and ankle surgery in Houston.
When to See a Podiatrist
Book a visit if you have constant pain, burning or tingling in the ball of your foot or between your toes. Do not wait if the pain changes how you walk or stops you from wearing normal shoes.
Early care is usually simpler care. The sooner we find the cause, the more options you have.
Why Choose Dr. Douglas Hansen
Board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgeons
Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University
Three-year residency at Kingwood Medical Center, where he served as chief resident
Treats common forefoot problems, foot trauma and reconstructive foot and ankle surgery
For independent patient information, see the MedlinePlus article on Morton neuroma from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Morton's neuroma feel like?
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Many people describe a sharp, burning or shooting pain in the ball of the foot. Some feel numbness or tingling between the toes. Others say it feels like standing on a pebble or a fold in the sock.
Which toes does Morton's neuroma affect?
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It most often affects the nerve between the third and fourth toes. Less often, it affects the nerve between the second and third toes.
Do I need an MRI to diagnose a neuroma?
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Not always. A foot exam is often enough to diagnose it. An X-ray can rule out bone problems. An ultrasound or MRI can confirm a neuroma when the exam is not clear.
Can Morton's neuroma go away on its own?
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Symptoms often ease with wider shoes, padding and orthotics, especially when treated early. Non-surgical care does not help everyone, so ongoing pain should be checked by a podiatrist.
Is surgery the only option?
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No. Treatment starts with non-surgical care. Surgery to remove the thickened nerve tissue is considered when pain continues after a fair trial of other treatments. According to MedlinePlus, surgery succeeds in most cases, and the numbness it leaves is permanent.
Get Relief From Ball-of-Foot Pain
If a burning, tingling pain is keeping you off your feet, let's find out what is causing it.
915 Gessner Rd, Suite 650, Houston TX 77024 · (832) 668-5546
Location
915 Gessner Rd. Ste 650
Houston, TX, 77024
Follow Us
Discover compassionate and personalized foot and ankle care at Valhalla Foot & Ankle Specialists. Led by Dr. Douglas Hansen, our Houston-based practice offers expert treatment for various conditions.
832-668-5546
915 Gessner Rd. Ste 650
Houston, TX, 77024
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
© Copyright 2026. Valhalla Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC. All rights reserved. | Sitemap
Follow Us
Discover compassionate and personalized foot and ankle care at Valhalla Foot & Ankle Specialists. Led by Dr. Douglas Hansen, our Houston-based practice offers expert treatment for various conditions.
832-668-5546
915 Gessner Rd. Ste 650
Houston, TX, 77024
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
© Copyright 2026. Valhalla Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC. All rights reserved.