Have you ever considered non-invasive Shockwave Therapy as an alternative to surgery for Morton’s neuroma? This therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. In turn, this promotes tissue regeneration while decreasing inflammation.
Today, we’ll explain why you should consider this option. Imagine benefitting from a shorter recovery period and improved quality of life while avoiding potential surgical risks. Well, when you choose Shockwave therapy to treat pain in the ball of your foot and other Morton’s neuroma symptoms, all of that is possible. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Morton’s Neuroma?
Morton’s neuroma, often experienced as a sharp, burning pain in the foot is a common condition that’s more than just an ordinary ache. Instead, it’s a benign yet troublesome enlargement of nerve tissue, most commonly found between your third and fourth toes.
Specifically, Morton’s neuroma describes the thickening of the tissue around one of the nerves leading to your toes. This condition develops due to mechanical pressure on the area. When that pressure persists unchecked, you may develop symptoms such as numbness, a tingling sensation or pain in the ball of your foot. For some patients, it feels like there’s a marble stuck in your foot. As such, walking barefoot may feel less painful than walking with shoes on. And, if left untreated, this condition can become quite a hindrance to your daily activities. In fact, many patients eventually require surgery…unless other treatment options prove effective at relieving the pain and discomfort.
Treatment Options to Consider Before Surgery ![Dr. Schneider delivering Shockwave therapy to a patient with heel pain]()
Common treatment for Morton’s neuroma includes changing your shoes to avoid narrow pairs that compress the nerve further. We also recommend anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections. Metatarsal pads are often helpful to eliminate the pressure on the neuroma. And custom orthotics can also be useful, as they reduce the pressure on the area of inflammation.
Until recently, those were your treatment options. However, if they didn’t relieve the pain from the inflamed nerve tissue, you’d be left hurting…or, you’d seek surgery. But, today, we have another option—Shockwave therapy. And, our patients are very excited about it because this form of regenerative medicine is both non-invasive and highly effective!
Preventing Surgery with Shockwave Therapy for Morton’s Neuroma
Shockwave therapy uses low to medium energy acoustic waves to target the affected area—in this case, the tissue surrounding your neuroma. When applied, this therapy stimulates your body’s own healing process. It’s a quick and painless procedure that usually consists of only a few sessions, depending on the severity of your condition at the onset of the treatment process.
But why is this treatment option so effective? With Shockwave therapy, you’re not just masking the pain. Instead, you’re addressing the underlying cause of the Morton’s neuroma. But how? Basically, the treatment improves blood circulation. And that sends healing tissue to the painful site, reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort.
Most importantly, it may prevent the need for invasive surgery. Beyond its non-invasive appeal, Shockwave therapy also greatly reduces the pain associated with Morton’s neuroma because it’s not just about dulling that discomfort—it’s about promoting healing at the site of the problem.
What to Expect from Shockwave Therapy for Morton’s Neuroma Pain
Each session of shockwave therapy lasts less than 10 minutes. Theres no anesthesia necessary. And, while you may feel mild discomfort during treatment, it will never reach above a four or five on the pain scale. Most people notice an improvement after just one treatment, though it will likely take several sessions to achieve the full benefits of Shockwave therapy.
But don’t just take our word for it. In fact, research has proven that Shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for Morton’s neuroma and other inflammatory conditions. Mentions in major medical journals shows that the therapy provides significant pain relief for this and other chronic conditions including heel pain and Achilles tendon pain. As a result, choosing this treatment option greatly improves the quality of life of those who undergo this therapeutic option.
However, the treatment may have some unexpected effects of your body. You may experience some side effects after undergoing Shockwave therapy for Morton’s neuroma. Rare but possible reactions include temporary discomfort, swelling or bruising at the treatment site. But these are normal reactions as your body responds to the therapy and begins it’s internal healing process.
You may also feel a tingling sensation or numbness in your toes. This could be a sign that the shockwaves are targeting and working on the neuroma. Don’t worry, it’s temporary and should subside as your body adjusts, leaving you free from temporary side effects as well as the lingering pain of the enlarged nerve tissue.
Choosing Shockwave Therapy over Morton’s Neuroma Surgery: Final Thoughts
The best reason for using Shockwave therapy is the potential to avoid surgery. Unfortunately, no treatment is 100% effective. So, despite your best efforts with non-surgical treatments, there may come a time when surgery becomes necessary to treat your Morton’s neuroma. So, if you’re still experiencing pain after trying Shockwave therapy and other neuroma treatments, it’s a sign that surgery may be necessary.
Remember that surgery is typically the last resort. It’s important to exhaust all non-surgical treatments first. That’s our philosophy at Tanglewood Foot Specialists. And, since we offer an extensive array of non-surgical treatment options for Morton’s neuroma—including Shockwave therapy—we encourage you to click here and request a consultation with Dr. Andrew Schneider if you’re tired of living with the pain and inflammation associated with this condition.
