A neuroma is an irritated, thickened nerve in the ball of the foot that causes pain, burning, numbness, or tingling, most often between the third and fourth toes. At New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute, our Albuquerque neuroma specialists offer the full range of treatment, from footwear changes and custom orthotics to MLS laser therapy for neuroma, injections, and surgery when needed. We help patients across the Albuquerque metro area relieve ball-of-foot pain and get back to comfortable walking.
Neuroma pain often starts small and gets worse over time, especially in tight or high-heeled shoes. The good news is that most neuromas respond well to conservative care, particularly when treated early.
Schedule Your Neuroma Evaluation
For Patients With Diabetes: Numbness, tingling, or burning in the feet can also be a sign of nerve problems related to diabetes. If you have diabetes and notice these symptoms, contact our office so we can evaluate the cause and protect your foot health.
What Is a Neuroma?
A neuroma, often called a Morton's neuroma, is a thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves that run between the toes. As the nerve becomes compressed and irritated, it can enlarge and become painful. Neuromas most commonly form between the third and fourth toes, in the ball of the foot.
Many patients describe the feeling as standing on a pebble, a marble, or a bunched-up sock, along with burning or sharp pain that can spread into the toes. Because the symptoms come from an irritated nerve rather than a bone or joint, a neuroma needs an accurate diagnosis to be treated effectively.
Neuroma Symptoms and When to See a Podiatrist
Neuroma symptoms tend to come and go at first and then become more frequent. Common signs include:
- Burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot
- Pain that radiates into the toes
- Numbness or tingling in the toes
- A feeling of a lump, pebble, or fold in the sock underfoot
- Pain that worsens in tight or high-heeled shoes and eases when you rest or remove the shoe
You should see a podiatrist if ball-of-foot pain lasts more than a few days, keeps returning, or interferes with walking and activity. Catching a neuroma early usually means simpler, non-surgical treatment.
What Causes a Neuroma
Neuromas develop when a nerve in the forefoot is repeatedly compressed or irritated. Common contributors include:
- Tight, narrow, or high-heeled shoes that squeeze the toes; it helps to understand why high heels can be hard on your feet
- High-impact activities such as running that place repeated pressure on the ball of the foot
- Foot structure and mechanics, including flat feet, high arches, or bunions
- Prior foot injuries or other forefoot conditions
Because footwear plays such a large role, choosing the right shoes is an important part of both prevention and treatment. Our team can help you find supportive options and recommended shoe stores in Albuquerque.
Nonsurgical Neuroma Treatment
Most neuromas improve with conservative care, especially when treated early. Our podiatrists usually begin with the least invasive options to take pressure off the irritated nerve and calm the inflammation.
- Footwear changes: Switching to shoes with a wider toe box and lower heel reduces pressure on the nerve.
- Custom orthotics: Custom orthotics with a metatarsal pad help spread the bones of the forefoot and offload the nerve.
- Padding and taping: Metatarsal padding and techniques such as taping for ball-of-foot pain can ease symptoms.
- MLS laser therapy: MLS laser therapy is a painless, drug-free option that reduces inflammation and nerve pain.
- Injections: Targeted injections can reduce inflammation and provide relief when needed.
- Activity changes: Adjusting high-impact activity gives the nerve time to settle.
For patients dealing with stubborn forefoot or nerve pain, shockwave therapy may also be part of a comprehensive plan. You can read more about how we approach a nagging neuroma in our blog.
When Neuroma Surgery Is Needed
If your neuroma does not respond to conservative care and the pain continues to limit your activity, surgery can provide lasting relief. As experienced Albuquerque foot surgeons, we recommend a procedure only when it is the right step for you, and we explain the options clearly first. You can learn more about our foot and ankle surgery approach.
Neuroma surgery typically addresses the irritated nerve to eliminate the pain. If a procedure is recommended, our guide on how to prepare for your foot surgery and recovery helps you plan ahead so healing goes smoothly.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Our goal is for you to leave understanding what is causing your pain and what your options are. Every neuroma evaluation is thorough and tailored to your symptoms and lifestyle.
1. History and conversation: We review your symptoms, footwear, activity level, and how the pain affects daily life.
2. Physical exam: We examine the ball of the foot and toes and use gentle hands-on tests to locate the irritated nerve.
3. Imaging when needed: On-site digital imaging helps rule out other causes of forefoot pain, such as a stress fracture or arthritis.
4. A clear treatment plan: We explain the diagnosis in plain language and start with conservative care, reserving surgery for when it is truly the best option.
Why Patients Choose New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute
Patients across the Albuquerque metro area trust us with their neuroma care because we combine accurate diagnosis with a conservative-first philosophy and advanced treatment options.
- Experienced neuroma specialists: We diagnose and treat ball-of-foot nerve pain at every stage, from mild to severe.
- Conservative-first approach: We start with non-surgical care and recommend surgery only when it is truly needed.
- Advanced, drug-free options: We offer treatments such as MLS laser therapy to relieve pain without medication or downtime.
- Patient education and advocacy: We explain your diagnosis and every option so you can make a confident decision.
- Convenient Albuquerque location: Our Northeast Heights office on Pan American Fwy NE offers flexible scheduling and on-site digital imaging.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Morton's neuroma?
A Morton's neuroma is a thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes, most often between the third and fourth toes. It causes pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in the ball of the foot, often described as standing on a pebble or a bunched-up sock.
What does a neuroma feel like?
A neuroma usually causes burning or sharp pain in the ball of the foot that may radiate into the toes, along with numbness, tingling, or a feeling of a lump or pebble underfoot. Symptoms often worsen in tight or high-heeled shoes and ease when you rest or remove the shoe.
Can a neuroma be treated without surgery?
Yes. Most neuromas improve with non-surgical care such as wider footwear, custom orthotics, padding, activity changes, injections, and MLS laser therapy. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to conservative treatment.
What is the best treatment for a neuroma?
The best treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms. Many patients start with footwear changes, orthotics, and padding to relieve pressure on the nerve, with injections or MLS laser therapy added as needed. A podiatrist tailors the plan to your foot and your goals.
Will a neuroma go away on its own?
A neuroma rarely resolves without treatment and often worsens if the irritation continues. Early care to reduce pressure on the nerve gives the best chance of relief and helps you avoid more invasive treatment later.
Is neuroma surgery effective?
Neuroma surgery is effective for patients whose pain does not respond to conservative care. It typically relieves the nerve pain, and your surgeon will explain the procedure, recovery, and expected results before moving forward.
Our Albuquerque Location
New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute provides expert neuroma diagnosis and treatment at our Northeast Heights office, serving patients throughout Albuquerque and the surrounding metro area.
Northeast Heights Location
Address: 4343 Pan American Fwy NE, Ste 234, Albuquerque, NM 87107
Phone: (505) 880-1000
Services: Conservative neuroma care, custom orthotics, MLS laser therapy, injections, neuroma surgery, and comprehensive foot and ankle care
Our Northeast Heights podiatrists serve patients throughout the Albuquerque area in a modern, comfortable setting with on-site digital imaging.
Communities We Serve
- Albuquerque
- Rio Rancho
- Corrales
- Bernalillo
- The greater Albuquerque metro area
Schedule an Appointment with a Neuroma Specialist in Albuquerque
If ball-of-foot pain, burning, or numbness is keeping you from walking comfortably, our podiatrists can help. We will pinpoint the cause, explain your options, and start with the most effective conservative treatment so you can get back on your feet.
Schedule Your Neuroma Evaluation
Call (505) 880-1000 to schedule at our Albuquerque office.
