Ball of the Foot Pain
Morton’s Neuroma Cortisone Injection: [Do Steroid Injections Work?]
Morton’s Neuroma Cortisone injections can be effective 85% of the time when combined when the neuroma is under 5mm in diameter. Get the BEST HOME TREATMENT!
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 2 Metatarsalgia, Morton's neuroma, 2nd toe capsulitis, plantar plate](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2013/10/ball-of-the-foot-pain-1-410x1024.jpg)
Table of Contents
Ball of the Foot Pain Pictures & Photo Gallery:
Look:
- Metatarsalgia: which means generalized foot pain without a specific cause.
- Second toe capsulitis: this is the inflammation of the second toe joint capsule.
- Capsulitis is related to hammertoe formation, and can lead to a plantar plate tear. There is some overlap between these three disorders. As they get worse tearing and ligament damage can occur.
- Morton’s neuroma: this is the damage and inflammation to the nerves between and underneath the metatarsal joints.
- Fat pad atrophy of the ball of the foot: this is the loss of cushioning in the ball the foot.
- Plantar Plate Tear: A plantar plate tear is ripping of the ligaments holding the toe together.
So, click on the photo gallery to see the specific causes of your ball of the foot pain!
Click on the photo gallery to see the specific causes of your ball of the foot pain!
3 Injections Choices:
- 1)Diagnositic Injection.
- 2)Cortisone Shot for morton’s neuroma.
- 3) Alcohol injections for morton’s neuroma.
Diagnostic Injections:
- Diagnostic injection is local anesthesia injected around the nerve to see if there is complete pain relief.
- The goal of the diagnostic injection is not always to cure the problem, but to see the if this is 100% sure that this is the problem. Personally, we like to make sure that if the injection relieves the pain, then we can pursue Morton’s neuroma treatment, rather than wasting months. Treating a condition that could be in the same area, but treated differently.
- Frequently you can combine this diagnostic injection with a steroid injection to provide lasting relief at the same time.
- We frequently see that a diagnostic injection can cause relief for many days, but can actually improve the site for many weeks in some cases.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 3 neuroma injection 2](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/01/neuroma-injection-2-300x168.jpg)
Steroid or cortisone neuroma injections:
- We usually combined these with her diagnostic injection.
- The goal of steroid is to reduce the inflammation around the nerve.
- In general steroid injections have overall been proven to be very successful in research studies, but the goal is not to continue relieving inflammation by itself.
- The goal is to relieve inflammation, but use orthotics and good shoes and correct the underlying issues to prevent it from ever coming back against.
- We personally use a steroid with a crystal in it, this dissolves slowly and can provide many weeks or even months of relief.
Sclerosing Alcohol Injections:
- The third most common type of Morton’s neuroma injection is a sclerosing alcohol injection.
- There are many studies that show sclerosing alcohol can desensitize the nerve in the foot. In trials, this has been shown to be effective, but this can cause irritation to their surrounding skin.
- Alcohol can help desensitize the nerve, but the goal is not to use too concentrated of alcohol as this could irritate or even damage the structure surrounding the nerve.
- Studies show that about half the patients can get pretty good results, about 20% of patients get decent results, and about 30% say they did not feel any improvement at all.
What would I do if this will my foot?
- Personally, we find that people do best with a steroid injection to help decrease the initial inflammation. But steroid alone will not fix your Morton’s neuroma.
- The goal is to wear good supportive orthotics, and good supportive shoes to prevent future damage from too much pressure on your foot.
- Most people that we see, we find that they have tightness through your calf muscle or their foot. If we can relieve this tightness, then the neuroma will develop.
Home treatment of Morton’s Neuroma:
If you are lucky enough to catch this serious problem in the early stages, there are things you can do to prevent any type of more invasive treatment.
The goal of home treatment is to stabilize nerve and to relieve pressure from it.
Your body can heal then let the inflammation and nerve pain decrease in size.
The key predictor to success is a nerve <5mm in diameter. If you are worried your foot is too bad, then go see your podiatrist!
Rest and ice:
- Ice for 20 minutes at a time.
- Ice this as long as possible to get the foot feeling better.
- Take a 1 hour break in between.
Stretching:
- The number one cause of second toe capsulitis and front of the foot pain is high arched foot in a tight Achilles tendon.
- We have great success to relieve this pain by stretching Achilles tendon, it is practical that over 3 to 4 weeks this condition can improve enough to remove the paint from the front of the foot.
- As your foot has more flexibility in bending up, it makes sense that there is less pressure on the front of the foot.
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Ball of the Foot Pain Treatment Infographic:
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 4 Morton's neuroma, hammer toe, plantar plate treatment](https://www.michiganfootdoctors.com/uploads/2020/05/ball-of-the-foot-treatment-410x1024.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Home Treatment:
- Consider taping, orthotics, and great shoes as a combination to fix your foot problem.
- Products are not always necessary to fix your problem.
- The key is correcting the biomechanical problems that are leading to forefoot overload.
- Foot overload means too much pressure in the ball of the foot.
- Generally, something called ankle joint equinus can lead to too much pressure in the ball of your foot. This means your ankle is not flexible enough to move up and down.
- Ball of the foot pain treatment consists of two phases, first is control inflammation, next is to control bio-mechanics.
Remove Control Inflammation:
Massage & Ice Products:
- The metal ball is one of my personal favorites.
- This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
- These can help relax the arch or heel ligaments, leading to less pressure in the ball of the foot.
- Pills, creams, and ice will never completely fix your problem alone. What they will do is reduce the pressure on the area.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 5 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 6 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 7 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 5 Recoup Fitness Cryosphere Cold Massage Roller - 6 Hours Cold Relief - Ice Cup - Myofascial Release- Great for Recovery - Free Rolling Removable Ball - Deep Tissue Massage - Pain Relief - Ice Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U7SX7hboL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 6 TheraFlow Compact Foot Roller for Plantar Fasciitis Relief - Portable and Small Foot Massager for Neuropathy | Targets Foot Pain with Reflexology | Travel Size Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41AOHvytR2L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 7 THERABAND Foot Roller for Foot Pain Relief, Massage Ball Roller for Arch Pain, Plantar Fasciitis Treatment, Heel Spurs Reliever, Tired Feet, Best Foot Massager with Ridges for Self Myofascial Release](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41eP1NdjT+L._SL160_.jpg)
Menthol Based Gels:
- Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
- These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
- This works great for the ball of the foot.
- Consider using these as options when resting on the couch or going to sleep at night.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 11 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 12 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 13 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 14 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 11 Biofreeze Pain Relief Gel, Arthritis Pain Reliver, Knee & Lower Back Pain Relief, Sore Muscle Relief, Neck Pain Relief, Pharmacist Recommended, FSA Eligible, 3 Pack (4 FL OZ Biofreeze Menthol Gel)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41xRZdvvg3L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 12 Biofreeze Pain Relief Roll-On, 3 oz. Roll-On, Fast Acting, Long Lasting, & Powerful Topical Pain Reliever, Pack of 3 (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41g5-ig3J8L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 13 Biofreeze Menthol Pain Relieving Gel 1 Gallon Bottle With Pump Topical Pain Relief For Sore Muscles, Arthritis, Backache, And Joint Pain, Original Green Formula, (Packaging May Vary)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31kY1eoOd6L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 14 HEMPACTIV Joint & Muscle Relief Cream, Infused with Hemp, Menthol, MSM & Arnica, Soothe Discomfort in Your Back, Muscles, Joints, Neck, Shoulder, Knee, Nerves - 2 Fl Oz](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51HX8regcfL._SL160_.jpg)
Massage Sticks:
- These can work great for loosening your muscles.
- This is means for your hamstring and calf muscles. This can loosen the ankle tightness, putting pressure on the ball of your foot.
- This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 19 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 20 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 21 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 19 Tiger Tail 18in Massage Stick Portable Roller, Handheld, Deep Tissue Foam Roller, Body Massage and Myofascial Release Tool for Legs, Neck, Calves, Thighs, Shins & Back, The Original 18, Made in USA](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yZi+w3fsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 20 Top Rated Muscle Roller Massage Stick: A Sports Body Massager Tool-Release Myofascial Trigger Points, Reduce Muscle Soreness, Tightness and Leg Cramps, Rub Muscle for Relief and Recovery](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31qRFvHvdhS._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 21 TISSCARE Shiatsu Calf Foot Massager Machine with Heat Leg Massager, Deep-Kneading for Tired Calf Leg Arm Plantar Fasciitis Neuropathy, Tired Muscles w/Adjustable bar (Dark Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51+0Rp7uefL._SL160_.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Stress Relief.
- The key is to prevent future pain.
- If you can get rid of the pain and swelling, this will let you start walking normally.
- If you can walk normally, the vast majority of your pain should gradually start to go away.
- This means proper cushion, proper stability, and pressure relief from the front of your foot.
- This will relieve pressure from your big toe, your 2nd toe, your Morton’s neuroma, your plantar plate, hammertoes and joint capsules.
Best Metatarsalgia Shoes:
- Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the ball of your foot.
- This is especially important if you have metatarsalgia, Morton’s neuroma, 2nd metatarsal overload syndrome, and capsulitis!
- Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for the best pain relief!
- The following link will show you what our favorites are.
Best Ball of the Foot Insoles:
- These are our recommended orthotics & insoles.
- There are different types of different shoes.
- Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic but allow for less correction.
- A full-length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot, or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
Best Full-Length Orthotics:
- Full-length orthotics are the most recommended type for the ball of the foot pain.
- Be aware that if they are too uncomfortable, it might be worth starting with a less corrective pair.
- Eventually, you can then work your way up to these.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 26 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 27 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 28 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 29 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 26 PowerStep Original Insoles - Arch Pain Relief Orthotics for Tight Shoes - Foot Support for Plantar Fasciitis, Mild Pronation and Foot & Arch Pain - Shoe Inserts for All (M 8-8.5, F 10-10.5)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ZmwrxNGBL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 27 PowerStep Pinnacle Maxx Orthotic Insoles - Orthotics for Overpronation with Maximum Stability & Comfort - Firm + Flexible Angled Heel Style to Help Flat Feet - Heavy Duty Inserts (M 10-10.5, F 12)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dUhD7LhsL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 28 220+ lbs Plantar Fasciitis Strong Arch Support Insoles Inserts Men Women - Flat Feet Orthotic Insoles High Arch for Arch Pain - Work Boot Shoe Insole - Heavy Duty Support](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ly6r7aiGL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 29 Superfeet All-Purpose Women's High Impact Support Insoles (Berry) - Trim-To-Fit Orthotic Arch Support Inserts for Women's Running Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 8.5-10 Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41PMSKa8xrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:
- These are a stronger option for shoes with tight dress shoes.
- Just be aware that less corrective orthotics & tight shoes are usually not a good combination.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 34 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 35 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 36 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 34 Powerstep Signature Dress 3/4-Length Insoles – Dress Shoe Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31gNhdC7BVL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 35 Powerstep Signature Dress Full-Length Insoles for Men and Women](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31RzbYbrdFL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 36 Superfeet Casual Men's Easyfit Insoles - Comfort Shoe Inserts for Men - Anti-Fatigue Orthotic Insoles for Dress Shoes - Professional Grade - Size 7.5-9 Men](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31GciX4ytrL._SL160_.jpg)
Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:
- These may be a good option for the ball of the foot if the full-length orthotics are too tight or too uncomfortable.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 40 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 40 Powerstep SlenderFit Fashion Orthotic-W](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/319Md+W9SHL._SL160_.jpg)
Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:
- It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
- Personally, I have the stationary block set up in my kitchen to stretch every day multiple times while getting my coffee!
- This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 42 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 43 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 44 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 45 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 42 Rolling With It Premium Calf Stretcher and Foot Rocker for Plantar Fasciitis Relief, Achilles Tendonitis, Increase Mobility and Flexibility, Improve Range of Motion With our Foot Stretcher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51XsFahL0kL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 43 North American Healthcare Foot Rocker Blue -Optimal Foot Position for Flexibility, Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, and other Chronic Conditions](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41I4zWIHxgL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 44 Professional Wooden Slant Board, Adjustable Incline Calf Stretch Slantboard with Full Non-Slip Surface, 16 inches x 12.5 inches, 5 Positions (350 LB Capacity) (Edition 1)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41dUKl8uzxL._SL160_.jpg)
![Morton's Neuroma Cortisone Injection 45 IdealStretch - The Original Hamstring, Lower Back & Calf Stretching Device - Ultimate Pain Relief & Deep Knee Extension Tool - Ideal Stretch Hamstring Stretcher Machine for Enhanced Flexibility](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41oCB322s-L._SL160_.jpg)
Ball of the Foot Pain