It's a classic, frustrating sensation: the feeling of a pebble or a bunched-up sock under the ball of your foot, but when you check, there's nothing there. This phantom object, often accompanied by sharp, burning pain or numbness in the toes, is the hallmark sign of Morton's Neuroma.
This painful condition affects the nerves between your toes and can make every step an agonizing experience. At the Bregman Foot-Ankle & Nerve Center in Las Vegas, we specialize in a modern, definitive solution: Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Morton's Neuroma. This advanced technique allows us to solve the problem with a tiny incision, dramatically less pain, and a much faster recovery.
What is Morton's Neuroma?
Despite its name, a neuroma isn't a tumor. It's a thickening of the tissue surrounding a nerve, typically the one between your third and fourth toes. This thickening is a result of chronic irritation, compression, and pressure on the nerve. Factors that contribute to this pressure include poor footwear (high heels and narrow toe boxes), foot structure abnormalities like bunions or flat feet, and repetitive stress from high-impact activities.
Why Traditional Treatments Often Aren't Enough
Conservative care is always the first step. Wider shoes and orthotics can help by reducing pressure on the nerve. Cortisone injections can provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. However, these treatments don't address the thickened, scarred nerve tissue itself. For many patients, the pain always comes back. This leads them to traditional open neurectomy surgery, which requires a 2–3 inch incision, extensive tissue dissection, and a slow, painful recovery.
The Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Advantage
Dr. Bregman is a specialist in MIS techniques, which revolutionize the treatment of Morton's Neuroma. Instead of a large incision on top of the foot, the entire procedure is done through a tiny, 1-centimeter incision on the bottom of the foot, directly over the affected nerve.
| Feature | Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) | Traditional Open Surgery |
|---|---|---|
| Incision | ~1 cm on the sole of the foot | ~5–7 cm on the top of the foot |
| Recovery Time | Walking immediately in a surgical shoe | Weeks of limited weight-bearing |
| Post-Op Pain | Minimal | Moderate to severe |
| Scarring | Virtually invisible | Noticeable scar on top of the foot |
| Stump Neuroma Risk | Significantly lower | Higher risk |
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I have to walk on stitches on the bottom of my foot?
No. The incision is so small that it is closed with a single, absorbable suture and surgical glue. You will be able to walk on it immediately in a protective surgical shoe.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure itself typically takes less than 15 minutes.
When can I return to normal shoes and activities?
Most patients are back in comfortable sneakers within 2–3 weeks and can resume all activities, including sports, shortly after.